Edward Alexander Haddad

Edward Alexander Haddad of Orlando, Florida died peacefully at home on February 3, 2022 of Alzheimer's disease.

Ed was born October 11, 1942 in Willimantic, Connecticut to Edward L. Haddad and Virginia Bonney Haddad and grew up in Coventry. He earned his engineering degree from the University of Connecticut and upon graduating, married the love of his life, Mary McSweeney. After college, Ed began working at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton. His career there spanned more than thirty years. His work supported the Apollo space program, as well as the U.S. Navy Submarine Fleet.

A musical prodigy, Ed mastered the piano at an early age. He delighted audiences throughout his life with beautiful renditions of all types of music from classical, jazz and big band to bossa nova, show tunes and spirituals.  A consummate performer, Ed was born to be on stage. His endeavors ranged from community theater in Connecticut to opera chorus in Orlando. His starring roles included playing the lead in the musical Finian's Rainbow and he forged many friendships through his acting career. In his later years, he maintained his flair for the dramatic by becoming a medical actor in training videos.

Ed loved to travel and spent many happy years embarking on adventures and cruises with Mary. He took his family on much-anticipated annual vacations to Florida, beginning just after Disney World opened, before retiring in Orlando. He was just as eager to host his many friends at his home in Florida. He grandly titled it "Club Ed" and had robes and t-shirts printed with the logo to delight his guests.

Ed enjoyed classic cars and could rattle off the year and model of an automobile at a glance. Growing up in the 1950s and experiencing a year living in California as a boy left an indelible impression on him. He loved the music of the Beach Boys and always associated the sun with happy times.  He loved dogs and endeared himself to his Orlando neighborhood by his habit of walking or biking with pockets full of dog treats.

Ed refused to be sidelined by the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. He furthered scientific research by participating in drug trials and behavioral studies. He joined multiple support groups and pilot programs, such as the Orlando Museum of Art's series "Art's the Spark". He encouraged and comforted his friends who lost spouses to the disease or were suffering from it.  Ed has been an inspiration to many, including the local chapter of the Old Coots Giving Advice in Oviedo, Florida. His gift for what is charitably known as chutzpah made him a perfect fit!

Ed was a dedicated member of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Orlando. His faith brought him lifelong comfort and hope. He served as the requested singer for many of his fellow parishioners' life events.

Ed loved to laugh, dance and socialize. He was the life of every party he attended and the many he threw.  To quote one of his favorite musicals, "What good is sitting alone in your room? Life is a cabaret, old chum. Come to the cabaret!"

Ed is survived by his beloved wife Mary, daughter Betsy of Oviedo, FL, son Rob of Middletown, NJ, brother Thomas of Whitefield, ME and his five cherished grandchildren, Megan, Garrison, Emily, Justin, and Christian.

A Memorial service will be held on February 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 26 Willow Drive Orlando, FL 32807, with reception to follow. Burial of ashes will be in the Haddad family plot in Willimantic, CT in June.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UCF Foundation, Inc. for the Edward Haddad Memorial M.D. Scholarship ( https://foundation.ucf.edu/haddad ) or to Alzheimers & Dementia Resource Center, 1410 Gene St., Winter Park, FL 32789.