Edward Hilinski Jr. age 72 a resident of Stratford for 70 years, died Thursday, October 27, 2011 after a short illness, with his family at his bedside. "Sonny" as he was known by his friends, is survived by his wife Janet Swanson Hilinski of Stratford; his son Gregory and wife Eileen of Shelton; grandson Grant Edward; a sister Sandra Leo and husband Anthony of Boonton Township, NJ; two nieces Margaret Taraboletti and husband Rob of Douglasville, PA and Sandy Deiley and husband Clint of Perkasie, PA; and many great nieces, nephews, cousins and fishing buddies at the Pootatuck Yacht Club in Stratford and in Pennsylvania. Born in Scranton PA on October 14, Sonny was the son of the late Edward Sr. and Margaret Hilinski. He was National Sales Manager for Bridgeport Machines responsible for the global expansion of their dealer network in many countries. After retiring, Sonny worked at Fitzpatricks Motors in Ansonia where he was a salesman. He proudly served his country in the Army reserves in the early 60's.
Sonny loved to fish on his boat the "Mister Ed" and was a diehard Red Sox and UConn basketball fan. He served as past commodore and current rear commodore of the Pootatuck Yacht Club where he was responsible for many improvements in the club house, restaurant and grounds. In his spare time, he coached both girls and boys basketball teams at Saint Lawrence School in Shelton. The seventh grade boys team went on to win the Northeast regional championship in 2008. The pride of his life after retirement was watching his grandson Grant play basketball at St Lawrence and soccer for Shelton Premier and at St Josephs High School. Funeral Services will take place on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 9:00 AM in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford and at 10:00 AM in St Mark Church 500 Wigwam Lane Stratford with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery Shelton. Friends may call on Sunday from 3-6 PM. Those desiring may make donations in Ed's Memory to St. Mark Churc