Obituary of Edward Sestero

Sestero, 96, of South Glastonbury, husband of the late Adeline (Bisi) Sestero, died Monday November 14, 2011 at Salmon Brook Nursing Home. He was born December 9, 1915 in New York City son of the late Guido and Ester (Bignone) Sestero and had lived in Glastonbury most of his life. Prior to his retirement he was a machinist for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Ed was a handsome, quiet, generous, self-sacrificing man of no malice whatsoever. Despite much bad luck he always did the best he knew how with the circumstances that prevailed. He put himself and his personal ambitions aside for his family and others, particularly regarding his musical excellence which could have hit the heights here and, most especially, under the wings of his large, noble, accomplished, cohesive family in France and Italy who he never got to see, especially his Aunt Albertina and Uncle Aldo. He leaves behind other uncles and many first cousins who would have loved him and vice-versa. He was a true hero of the Silent Generation: we shall not see his likes again. A talented self taught musician he had a life long passion for accordion music. He excelled at playing the accordion. Through his talent and passion Ed was able to give expression to music that was both beautiful and vibrant thus bringing enjoyment to the life of others. He composed several musical pieces. He appeared on local radio and TV stations. He played not only dance music but classical music as well. As a young man he received three standing ovations after playing the Trieste Overture and other pieces with the UCONN Symphony Orchestra; yet he could also, as was said of him,"play polkas until the cows came home." He also had a passion for nature. He gave careful attention to wooded areas (clearing brush, etc.) he would then place chairs in these areas just to be able to sit there, to relax, to enjoy nature and to be a part of it. He is survived by a son Eugene E. Sestero of Middletown, a daughter Sandra Sestero Brown of Colchester, 5 grandchildren Emily Sestero, Brent Sestero, Elaine Stiles, Nathan Brown and Armen Brown and 2 great grandchildren Milo and Madeline Stiles. He was predeceased by his 2 brothers Walter and Natale Sestero. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday Nov. 19, at 10am in St. Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell Rd., South Glastonbury. Burial will follow in St. Augustine Cemetery, South Glastonbury. Friends may call at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury on Friday Nov. 18, from 6-8pm. To share a memory please visit www.mulryanfh.com.