Edwin Henry Pape, Jr., 91, of Essex, died peacefully Nov. 22 at home after a long, slow decline due to Parkinson’s disease. He was born July 7, 1922 at home in North Bergen, New Jersey to Edwin H. and Wilhelmina Eidmann Pape.

He graduated from Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia, and served in the cavalry during World War II. On a condolence visit to Rhode Island for a classmate killed in Europe, he met Patricia Nutting Greene, “the handsomest girl in Slatersville.” They were married in April of 1946 after just three dates. Their marriage was to last 67 and a half years.

He worked in the insurance industry in New York City, moving to Essex in 1958 to join Security Connecticut Life in New Haven as a Vice President. Subsequently, he was a partner in Riverside Hardware of Essex, and later, Mystic. He completed his working career at The Baldwin Agency, a real estate office in the village.

He pursued various artistic talents, took great care in the upkeep of his home, kept chickens in the backyard, and enjoyed cooking. He also enjoyed time spent from the shade of the porch at Mile Creek Beach Club in Old Lyme. He will be remembered as a gentle, family-oriented man, always ready with a joke.

His family wishes to extend great thanks to Middlesex Hospice Homecare for their help in caring for him the last many months.

He is survived by his beloved wife Patty; his three children, Pamela Ryan, Edwin Pape, and Richard Pape; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved unconditionally. He was predeceased by his sister Doris Pape Rossire of Salisbury.

Burial will be Thursday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. in Riverview Cemetery, Essex, with a service following at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Main St., Essex. Reception following service. Memorial contributions may be made to Middlesex Hospice Homecare, Middletown, CT and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Essex, CT.