With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of
Edward “Ned” J. Strianese of Burlington, Vt., 66, beloved
brother, uncle, colleague and dear friend. Ned passed away in Costa
Rica, enjoying the ocean, music and good company.
Ned, born in Armonk, N.Y., was the son of the
late Edward and Corinne Strianese. Ned graduated from Byram Hills
High School and St. Michael’s College and went on to earn his
master’s degree in special education from the University of
Vermont.
Ned was a devout musician, fisherman and friend
who had a brilliant sense of humor. His family and wide circle of
friends were extremely important to him. Ned taught in the Underhill
and Burlington schools for more than 25 years. Hundreds of those
students remember his fierce advocacy for their education and
well-being, which extended into their adult years. This was
particularly true of the Somali Bantu students who had recently moved
to Vermont. Ned’s commitment came not from the latest “central
office” initiative but rather from a profound belief that all
people had a right to dream and live a full and healthy life. He was
a compassionate elder who generously shared his time, knowledge and
kindness with younger generations. His heart was always open to those
in need, and many people from all walks of life found solace in his
company.
Ned’s love of music was well-known. He spent
many hours serenading his neighbors, friends and family on porches,
in living rooms and beyond. In the last years of his life, Ned
traveled across the country and to Costa Rica, fishing and camping to
his heart’s content.
He is survived and will be deeply missed by his
sister, Nancy “A Ray” Strianese, and partner, Eddie Rios, of Cape
Cod, Mass.; brother, Thomas “TJ Ray” Strianese, and his wife, Liz
Strianese, of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; as well as his two nieces,
Hannah “Del Ray” Strianese of Denver, Colo., and Edie Rae
Strianese. Ned is also survived by his true loves and friends, of
whom there are many.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate
Ned’s life — one fully lived — and pay their respects on
Monday, June 26, from 4-9 p.m., at the St. John’s Club, 9 Central
Ave. Burlington, VT. Personal reflections will be at 5 p.m., followed
by food and music. Burial will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may
be made in Ned’s name to Clark Teacher Diversity Scholarship at the
Vermont Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2000, Winooski, VT 05404 or Young
Tradition Vermont at Vermont Folklife, 88 Main St. Middlebury, VT
05753.
This article appears in May 24-30, 2023.
Thank you my brother for always being there to help me break down barriers constructed or imaged related to love, knowledge, moral codes, our fears it didn’t matter sooner or later it was all fair game.
I can’t recall a time I didn’t know you having been born next door. Oddly, our relationship always grew stronger as we waded through the thick and thin and honed down our actual connected us.
I fortunately, despite you ratcheting it up a notch still know where to find you as always upon the edge of the endless sea casting dreams before the abyss shrouded by first light.
❤️
Rest in peace sweet Brother. You are a one in a million, and i was so lucky you were my friend! You generosity and passion for the important things in life were inspiring! Fish on!
A thoughtful, generous person that loved friendship, music, nature and a good laugh.
I’ll remember Ned’s kindness.
I’ll remember fun stories around sparkling bonfires and the twinkle in his eyes.
Thank you for the sweet memories, Ned, my friend.
Rest in peace.
Ned had kind words for everyone, and always listened in a patient way. He was a teacher who combined gentleness and good humor, to great effect. Ned was loved by all.
I thought Ned was my special friend, a diamond I found in a gold mine, but I learned from you all he was a diamond in many people’s lives. So nice to hear from Hanna (who he always spoke of kindly) Coach, and his students. I was crushed in a way I’m not ordinarily am when I heard of his passing. I take solace knowing in what a way, and how many lives he touched and made better. Bro, bro, listen bro, you will be missed by all the lives you’ve touched! You will be terribly missed! You were taken to soon. Ciao, Bro.