C. Edward Killingbeck

C. Edward Killingbeck, 95, a lifelong resident of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday August 15, 2024, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital surrounded by his family.

Ed was born on January 18, 1929, in Torrington, CT, the son of the late Fred and Clara (Teti) Killingbeck. He attended both Torrington High School and Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1947 as captain of the baseball and basketball teams. Ed was proud to be the first recipient of the William Kelvey Award for sportsmanship at OWTS.

At the onset of the Korean War in 1950, Ed was drafted and dutifully served his country in the United States Army, completing basic training in Fort Dix, NJ, and later stationed in Panama for the remainder of his active duty. He tragically lost his first wife Antoinette to illness not long after his discharge, and was tasked with single fatherhood for several years, caring for his young son and daughter, Eddie and Cheryl. Because of his experience, Ed was a strong advocate for affordable daycare in the community and later helped in spearheading such a facility, housed on Berry Street in the 1980s. 

In the mid-1950s, at a dance in Bristol, CT, he found love again when he met Marilyn (Sokolik) and they married in 1957. The family grew and together they raised six children.

Ed was a history enthusiast and enjoyed local politics. Serving his community was a hallmark of his life. He was elected as a member of the City Council, was a long-time member and past president of The Triangle Club, and volunteered his efforts to the Torrington Housing Authority during the construction of the Torrington Towers. As a past Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, he collaborated with the late Renny Belli to establish the annual Republican Town Committee Barbecue at the Torrington Fish & Game Club, remaining devoted to this effort for 17 years. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge of Torrington for over 60 years and enjoyed playing cards at the Sullivan Senior Center.

Always recognized by his family as a wonderful provider, Ed enjoyed a fulfilling career as an outside salesman with County Stationers, Inc., dedicating 45 years to the company. He cherished the relationships he forged throughout his career and loved driving the country roads of his NW Connecticut sales territory. Following his retirement, he and Marilyn enjoyed extensive traveling to Europe to see the countries of their parents: Italy, England, Slovakia, and took many other wonderful vacations. In sports, Ed was an avid New York Yankees fan and took great pleasure in watching UConn basketball. He bowled until age 88, and was an exceptional golfer, scoring two “hole in ones” in his lifetime, and he shared many a road trip to Foxwoods casino. However, music was his greatest passion; he could always be relied upon to sing at family gatherings, spreading joy with robust tunes and Italian songs. Ed held a deep love for his community of Torrington, his country, and his family, particularly his beloved wife of 66 years, Marilyn.

In addition to his wife Marilyn, Ed is survived by four sons: Edward J. Killingbeck (Lynn) of South Windsor, CT; Cary Killingbeck of Torrington, CT; Robert Killingbeck of Torrington, CT; and Todd Killingbeck (Debra) of Plantsville, CT. He is also survived by one daughter, Kelli Schaller (Kurt) of Canton, CT; one brother, Arthur Killingbeck of Sarasota, FL; one sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Intagliata (Paul) of Venice, FL; three grandchildren, Devyn, Ashley, and Ethan; four great-grandchildren, Alec, Julia, Dominic, and Justin; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Antoinette (Silano); daughter, Cheryl Ann; sister, Esther Jane; brothers Kenny, Joe and Fred.

Ed’s funeral will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St., Torrington, CT for services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery with full military honors accorded. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County (www.vnhlc.org), or to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).