Edward Rawson Godfrey, III, of Chester, died peacefully at his home in Chester Village on January 27, 2017. He was the widow of Joanne Meehan Godfrey. They were married for 32 years until she lost her courageous battle with ALS on January 5, 2016. He was born on November 15, 1932, in New York, NY, the son of Edward Rawson Godfrey, Jr., and Gladys Cowdrey Godfrey. Edward grew up in West Hartford. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1956, with a degree in civil engineering. He served in the Air Force from 1957-1958 and was stationed in Greenland. He was employed at SNET at the management level, and raised his family in Simsbury. After retiring at 59, he continued to work with H+R Block taxes, as well as AARP tax preparation. He was president of youth sailing at North Cove Yacht Club for 15 years. He had a passion for sailing and boating and earned the name "Skipper". Edward sailed with his father as a youngster and later took his own family on cruises in Maine for vacations. Edward and his late wife Joanne also enjoyed boating, owning and chartering several sailboats while cruising in the New England water ways. In the Fall of 2005, they both cruised South on the Intercoastal Waterway from Old Saybrook to Central Florida, returning in the Spring of 2006. Edward is survived by his children, Edward Rawson Godfrey, IV (Pat), Kenneth Godfrey (Marguerite), Richard Arnold (Susan), Bill Arnold (Barbara), and Chuck Arnold (Kris); daughter-in-law Allison Godfrey; siblings Robert, Austin, and Loren Godfrey; and "Papa Ed" will be sadly missed by his grandchildren whom he took great joy in, Tenley, Samuel, Rawson, V, and Kate Godfrey, Chase, Drake, Shane, and Frances Arnold. He was predeceased by his son David who passed away at age 18, in 1983. Dad will be missed and remembered for his compassion, love, and generosity. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for their kindness and professionalism to Health at Home Visiting Angels and Vitas Hospice Care. Calling hours will be held on Saturday February 4th from 10am-12pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. A memorial service will begin at noon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his memory may be made to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 628 Hebron Ave., Suite 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033. To sign the online guest book visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.