Edward J. Lynch, 80, a longtime resident of Guilford, died in Branford on Dec. 2. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Nancy (Dejon) Lynch. Born in West Haven on The Executive Educator's 100 North America's Top School Executives.

July 30, 1929, he graduated from Hopkins and then from Fairfield University in 1953. He was a highly respected educator and administrator, serving as principal for 22 years in Killingworth, Middletown, and, last, Old Saybrook. He was also named one of

After his retirement from education in 1981, he started Winthrop Builders and later served three terms as first selectman of Guilford. His family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff at Yale Shoreline Medical Center, especially Dr. Zaheer and Elaine Begley; all of the nurses at the HOIT unit of The Father McGivney Cancer Center; and the gifted staff at the Connecticut Hospice,

especially Dr. Flatow and Nurse Iris.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his brother James W. Lynch of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Durham. He is also survived by his loving children Dennis E. Lynch of Guilford, Mary Eileen Fillion and her husband Thomas of Killingworth, Kathleen E. Lynch and Craig Perigard of Hamden, Nancy L. Faccadio and her husband Ron of Killingworth, and Patricia L. Mathews and her husband Edward of Higganum. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren Ryan E. Lynch, Jason T. Fillion, Michelle M. Fillion, Thomas J. Petritz, Mary E. Petritz, Jack E. Petritz, Samantha M. Faccadio, Kathleen H. Mathews, and Margaret N. Mathews.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Therese Church, Branford, on Dec. 5. Burial was in St. George's Cemetery, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center, St. Raphael Foundation, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511, or to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. The Guilford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.