(09/04/12) Edward “Eddie” Eugenio Cercena, 97, of Prospect Street, Pawcatuck, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, September 2, 2012 at Pendleton Health Care, Mystic, CT. He was pre-deceased by the love of his life, Grace (Tattersall) Cercena. He is survived by his niece and nephew-in-law, Cathy and Salvatore E. Cherenzia III of North Stonington, CT, his niece and nephew-in-law, Patti and David Page of Westerly, his niece and nephew-in-law, Judy and John Gloria of West Suffield, CT and other nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Mr. Cercena was born in Westerly on August 15, 1915 to Italian immigrants, the son of the late Eugene and Judith (Campo) Cercena. He was one of eight children who were raised with the values that made this country great – work hard and live within your means. Eddie lived through the great depression and cleared his plate at every meal. He was grateful for all he had. He served proudly in the United States Navy during World War II. He was on a transport ship that brought food and armaments through dangerous waters to supply the troops and people of Europe. When asked how he made it through such a dangerous assignment, he would reply “I ducked a lot”. For many years, Edward was a machinist at the Cottrell’s Printing Company of Pawcatuck. He walked two side streets to get to work for 37 years, manufacturing parts for the best printing presses made. He cut out metal blanks for cams that actuated the equipment. His boss would go to him for difficult assignments because he knew it would be made right the first time. Anyone who knew Eddie could recite some of his many one liners he was famous for. His wit and humor will be sadly missed by his friends and family that were very important to him.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 10:00 am at Rushlow-Iacoi Funeral Home & Crematory, 64 Friendship Street, Westerly. Burial with full military honors will take place at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edward’s name can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
For online condolences please visit www.rushlowiacoifuneralhome.com .
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