Edward O. Barto, 87, of Greenwich, passed away peacefully on May 5 at Martin Medical Center in Stuart, Fla., surrounded by loved ones.
Born on Dec. 5, 1929 in Derby, Conn., to the late Louis and Olga (Bobick) Barto, he spent most of his life in Greenwich. Ed attended Hamilton Avenue and Byram schools and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1947. He was a proud member of the first Greenwich High School state championship football team, making friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was a member of the Greenwich High School reunion committee until 2016.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Ed returned home to join the family business. In 1950 he married the love of his life, Joan Ryan. Together they raised five children.
Ed was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the 9th District Veterans. He spent many years coaching youth baseball and football, accompanied by his trusted Willys pickup truck. He loved to dance and rarely sat down while the music was playing.
He and Joan were avid square dancers belonging to many area clubs, dancing their hearts out every chance they had. A man of strong faith, Ed spent many years involved in Marriage Encounter and hosting Pre-Cana Conferences.
He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Byram. Ed loved being involved in the Glenville and Pemberwick communities, gathering friends wherever he went. He had a warm, kind spirit and a willingness to help those in need, endearing him to many.
He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years. He is survived by his brother, Albert, of Venice Calif., his sons, E. Michael, David and Stephen (Meredith Braxton) Barto, and his daughters, Kathryn Barto and Judy (Steve) Yung. Ed also leaves 16 grandchildren, M. Scott (Rana) Bortot; Vince (Jess) Barto; Damian (Donna) DeCarlo; Melissa Massey; Brett, D. Matthew (Emily), Derek (Danielle) and Ian Barto; A.J., Michael and Kaitlyn Braccio; Trevor, Acadia and Evan Braxton-Barto; and Lauren and Curtis Yung, in addition to 14 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins, who will miss him dearly.
Visiting hours will be held at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home in Greenwich on Friday, July 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Byram tomorrow, on Saturday July 22, at 10 a.m.
