Edward C. Atwood, Jr.

Edward Charles Atwood, Jr, 98, retired professor and world traveler, passed away peacefully at The Watermark at East Hill, Southbury, Connecticut, on May 4, 2021. Born in New York City on December 2, 1922, Ed was the son of Edward C. Atwood and Bertha Atwood. Growing up in Long Island, New York, Ed served in Navy Intelligence during WWII. He earned his Liberal Arts degree from Princeton University, and continued on at Princeton to earn his Master’s, then Ph.D in Economics, in 1959. Post-graduation, Ed was hired at Princeton as an instructor, then later, became a teaching Fellow at Buffalo University, and then continued his Fellowship at Denison University.  

In 1952, Ed joined the faculty at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, as an Assistant Professor of Economics. Ed was an educator for the majority of his career, but from 1960-1962, he worked for General Electric in New York City, as a consultant-investor. Returning to Washington and Lee in 1962, at age 39, Ed became Dean of Students and continued as Professor of Economics, then held the Dean of School of Commerce position for 17 years, until 1986. 

During his tenure at Washington and Lee, Ed continuously taught courses in elementary economics, finance, business cycles and banking, where he gained a reputation amongst students as one of the university’s most demanding but most popular professors. Ed was an active member of the American Economic Association, and engaged in various seminars, conferences and forums, enjoying furthering his education and networking throughout his career.

After retiring from Washington and Lee, Ed and June, his wife of over 45 years, moved to Heritage Village, Southbury, CT. With a love for travel and learning new cultures, Ed greatly enjoyed fine culinary experiences, and they travelled regularly, until June’s passing in 2000. 

Throughout his life, Ed was an avid reader, book collector, a“foodie”, loved a good Western film and Big Band music, and in his later years, he and his partner, Berni Walter, continued to travel the world as often as possible. They adventured to Australia, cruised and toured in Europe, explored South America and snorkeled in the Caribbean. Closer to home, Ed and Berni enjoyed day trips in Ed’s convertible, to lovely locations all around Connecticut and New York state. In 2008, Ed and Berni moved together to The Watermark at East Hill, where Ed played weekly poker games and worked out regularly at the gym. At Watermark, they engaged in many social events and activities, always finding something to get involved with and enjoy. Ed and Berni loved to dance, and enjoyed good music, Sunday brunching, cocktails and getting together for dinner with friends. Ed was a member at Southbury United Church of Christ, had held a seat on the Condo Board of Heritage Village, and was a contributor to and supporter of the Southbury Library.

Ed was predeceased also by his youngest son, Jeff, an architect in New York City. Ed’s eldest son, Terry, along with granddaughters, Chelsea Atwood, her partner Mary Webb, and Heather Ford, her husband Damian and young son Brock, reside in Ontario, Canada. Ed also leaves behind his loving companion, Berni Walter, and Berni’s children and grandchildren, all who were positively impacted by Ed throughout the last 18 years and will miss him very much.

A Celebration of Life for Edward Charles Atwood Jr. will be held at 1:30PM on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at The Watermark at East Hill, Southbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Edward’s name to an educational cause or charity important to you.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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