Edward "Ed" Joseph Risavich, Sr.

Edward Joseph Risavich, Sr. passed away peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Greenville, SC surrounded by family. He was 83 years old.

Ed was born on February 1, 1941 at home in Canterbury, CT to Alexander Risavich, Sr. and Anna Risavich (Miliauskas). Despite growing up in Canterbury, he spent most of his life in Plainfield where he and his loving wife, Donna, built a home and a life in the tight-knit neighborhood on Toper Road. After they retired, Ed and Donna became snow birds, enjoying their winters in their home in Cape Coral, FL, where they eventually moved full time. He spent his final days close to his son, Edward Risavich, Jr. in Greenville, SC.

Ed spent his career as a machinist at Kaman Aerospace. Ed liked to stay active and was an avid outdoorsman. In his younger years, he loved to run in local road races and race canoes with his brother, Gerard.

Ed also was a noted green thumb, with a vast and abundant vegetable garden he showed off with pride. He and Donna also enjoyed traveling, particularly going on cruises to visit exotic and tropical destinations. 

When it was time to slow down, Ed enjoyed simple pleasures like his garden, his dogs and especially his bike. He also enjoyed challenging his mind with his insatiable love for reading and sudoku.

Over all else, he loved his family. When his grandkids were young, he loved nothing more than playing outdoors with them in any season, whether it was filling the backyard kiddie pool, fishing in the nearest lake or pond or simply walking through the neighborhood.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna Risavich (Upson), his three children, Corinne Dutka, Cathy Saunders and Edward Risavich, Jr., as well as his three grandchildren, Megan Saunders, Sean Saunders and Nicole Dutka. 

He is predeceased by his parents, Alexander Risavich Sr. and Anna Risavich, and all four of his siblings, Alexander Risavich, Jr., Albert Risavich, Gerard Risavich, and Ann Janet Morin (Risavich).

A private service will be held at a later date. 

 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local hospice or other favorite charity.