In Memory of Edward F. Havens

As a co-founder of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce, we are saddened to hear the news about Edward Havens.

Below you will find his obituary and Chamber photos from throughout the years.

Edward F. Havens 98 of South Windsor died Sunday May 28, 2023, at Manchester Hospital with his loving family at his bedside. Son of the late Hannah and James Havens, he was born in Hartford and attended Hartford and Bloomfield Schools. He was married to the late Angelina (Guastamachio) Havens, and they had three children: Edward Havens Jr., Susan Havens, and Cynthia Havens. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Armed Guard Service. He saw duty both in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war, serving from 1943 through 1946. He was a member of both the American Legion and the VFW.

Besides his children, he is survived by his daughter in law, Marie Alipranti, five grandchildren; Brooke Havens, Tyler Havens, Michael Sanzo, and his wife, Ashely Sanzo, Rachel Sanzo, Holly Havens and 4 great grandchildren; Joseph, Elizabeth, Jackson Sanzo and Oliver Connery, and a sister-in-law Ann Colasanto, and cherished niece and nephew Lynne Dennis and Joseph Colasanto and their families. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Vedovato, brother-in-law Joseph Vedovato and another brother-in-law Joseph Colasanto.

He was a 26-year member of the South Windsor Town Council and served four terms as Mayor of the town. He was a co-founder with Joseph Vedovato of Imperial Oil and Plumbing CO, also a founding member of the Bank of South Windsor. He was formerly president of the East Hartford Kiwanis Club. He was elected as “Business Man of the Year” in South Windsor and “Irishman of the Year. Also, he was named to the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds. During his tenure as Mayor of South Windsor, he initiated the Major Michael Donnelly Preserve, Nevers Park purchase, and the Charles Enes Community Center. He was a past president and director of the Channel 3 Country Camp, a camp he attended as a youth. He served 56 years as an usher and greeter at St. Francis of Assisi Church in South Windsor. Edward was awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation recognizing his devotion and loving service to the church and the local faith community. He was the co-founder of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce, serving many years on its board of directors. He received the Paul Harris Award and was a long-time sponsor of the South Windsor Rec Department. Edward sponsored the Easter Egg Hunt, The Pumpkin Roll, and the annual Halloween Fright Night. He supported numerous town sports teams, including his support of South Windsor Little League for over 40 years. Proud to have been recently appointed the Leagues Lead Off Hitter for their Honoree Line Up. He participated in the Friendship Force, visiting Taiwan, South Africa, and Germany.