Edward J. Kruszka, 76, of Bridgeport, sadly passed away on November 7, 2023, with his beloved family by his side. Ed was born on March 15, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York, son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Kaminski Kruszka. Ed began his career working on Wall St. in New York City. After many years of commuting, he decided to leave New York to work closer to home in order to have more family time. Ed became Vice President of Brokerage Operations at People's Securities, Inc. until his retirement in 2012. In 2000, at the age of 53, Ed was determined to fulfill a lifelong dream of completing his college degree. In 2008, he put on a cap and gown and proudly received his Master's Degree as he graduated with honors from Albertus Magnus. He showed the world that it's never too late to pursue your goals. After retirement, Ed went back to work for seventeen years as a part-time "Manny" for his grandsons. He has said that this was the most fulfilling job of his career. There was nothing that made Ed happier than being with his loving family. He spent time with his four treasured grandsons as often as he could, and he always spoiled them with love, knowledge, and ice cream. Ed was a brilliant man with an equally brilliant sense of humor. A neurologist once commented, after viewing a scan, that his brain was "remarkable." He loved hearing this and made sure to share that tidbit with anyone and everyone. Ed never missed an opportunity to tell a joke. You could almost see the wheels of his "remarkable" brain churning out the next quip. The best part was the satisfied grin on his face when the joke landed. Anyone who knew Ed knew about his obsession with New Orleans, the place that made him feel most alive. He was always eager to tell people stories of his thirty-seven visits to his favorite place. He took pride in introducing New Orleans to his family and friends and was a walking tour guide. Ed was generous in so many ways. He loved planning vacations with his family and going out for family dinners. He would often stalk the waiter to make sure the bill always went to him. Ed heroically battled various cancers for over twenty-one years. He faced all of his medical challenges with acceptance and a little "tumor humor." We often joked that Ed was like a cat with nine lives. No matter the diagnosis, natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina), or catastrophic event (9/11), he always prevailed and had a story to tell. We figured it would be something simple like a paper cut, but sadly, cancer did take him from us in the end. Ed is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Maryann, his three devoted daughters, Jen (Nick), Laura (Freddie), and Liz, his four cherished grandsons, Luke, Tristan, Blake, and Justin, two sisters, Beth (Frank), and Julie (Pete). He was also crazy Uncle Eddie to a plethora of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Louis Kruszka, his son-in law Chris, and a lifetime of family pets, most notably, Francesca Ursula Concetta Kruszka, his Italian greyhound soulmate. Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in the Redgate - Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull, from 3-8 p.m. A memorial and remembrance service will begin at 7 p.m. for people to share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, Ed would want you to use the money to go out to dinner with your family and celebrate just being together. The family wishes to thank the staff of St.Vincent's Hospital for the compassionate care they provided Ed during his final days. We would also like to thank the countless doctors who treated Ed throughout the years. We are grateful for the extra time we had with him despite his serious illnesses. Ed— a brilliant man, devoted husband, beloved father, cherished grandfather, and center of our world, gone too soon.