Edward A. Vynalek

HIGGANUM — Edward A. Vynalek, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of the late Adele (Gesner) Vynalek, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Ed spent his career as a dedicated cable splicer for Southern New England Telephone (SNET), ensuring his community stayed connected in good weather and bad. Ed and Adele enjoyed antiquing and travelling; towing their RV to Maine, Florida, California, Alaska and points in between. Beyond his career, Ed was known to everyone as the ultimate tinkerer. Blessed with true Yankee ingenuity, he was proud of his ability to fix absolutely anything using whatever he had on hand. He possessed a deep love for the outdoors and was happiest when he was out in the woods or keeping busy working around his home. Whether he was sawmilling, tinkering with old engines, or selling evergreen boughs at Christmas time, Ed embraced life’s simple pleasures with enthusiasm and a hands-on spirit.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Vivienne McGarry, and her husband Robert of Haddam Neck; his son-in-law, David Smith of Staffordville; four cherished grandchildren, Travis McGarry and his wife Sally of Germany, Amanda Gerboth and her husband Pete of Olympia, Washington, Ethan Smith of Union, and Blake Smith and her husband Robert Holt of Bennington, Nebraska; and four adored great-grandchildren, Drake, Reiner, Connor, and Claire, and three brothers, Ronald Vynalek of Higganum, Richard and Ralph Vynalek both of Durham. Along with his beloved wife, Adele, he was predeceased by his daughter, Aurise Smith.

Ed’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ed’s primary caregiver, Dovile Simkute, whose compassion, dedication, and care made it possible for Ed to remain in the comfort of his home. Your kindness and support meant so much to Ed and to all of us.

Friends and family may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 6:30 PM. Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Burr Cemetery in Higganum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Middlesex Hospice, Middlesex Health Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457, or to the Tobacco Valley Flywheelers, c/o Michelle Root, P.O. Box 206, Cromwell, CT 06416.