Edward R. Astarita, Sr., 96, of Durham, CT, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021 at Connecticut Hospice, Branford surrounded by his loving family.  He was the beloved husband of the late Marylyn Johnson Astarita.  Born in New Haven on December 17, 1924 and was the son of the late Theodore and Immaculata Madonna Astarita.  Mr. Astarita obtained his AS from the former JCC (now Quinnipiac University), his Bachelor of Science from New York University and his Master’s degree from Columbia University.  He was a professor of Marketing at the University of Bridgeport and later at Central Connecticut State University until his retirement in 2003 at the age of 78.  He was also a part time teacher at University of New Haven, Quinnipiac University, Tunxis Community College, and the Culinary Institute of America. Mr. Astarita served his country faithfully in the United States Army during World War II as a Medical Technician with the 341st Medical Distribution Department throughout Europe and was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and earned 5 Battle Stars.  He was an accomplished artist and gardener. However, he considered his greatest accomplishment his three children.  Father of Lisa (Stewart) Green of Mamaroneck, NY, Edward (Julie) Astarita, Jr. of Slater, Iowa, and Amanda (Hans) Pedersen of Durham.  Grandfather of Matthew and Rosemary Green, Molly, Hannah and Olivia Astarita, Kelsey (Ethan) Donecker, Ryan and Alec Bogen. Brother of Dr. Theodore (Natalie) Astarita of North Haven.  Also survived by loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and step grandchildren.  He has four grand puppies and four great grand puppies.   

Private funeral services have been entrusted to The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue.  Interment with full military honors will be privately held at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.