Rev. Harry Stur Eid, 74, Was Summer Resident

Rev. Harry Stur Eid, 74, a seasonal resident of the Vineyard, died Monday, Jan. 19, at his home in Winsted, Conn. following a long illness. He was the husband of June (Willis) Eid. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Nov. 30, 1929 and a son of the late Harry S. and Mildred (Kerr) Eid.

Mr. Eid was graduated from Lynbrook High School in Lynbrook, N.Y., attended Princeton University and transferred to Kentucky Wesleyan University where he received his bachelor's degree in religion. He then received his master's degree from Drew University. While at the Pawling United Methodist Church in Pawling, N.Y., he and his wife established a thrift shop in the church which is still active today. He also worked with Dr. Norman Vincent Pearle and Lowell Thomas on various community activities.

While serving at Winsted United Methodist Church, Mr. Eid was instrumental in the purchase and installation of the pipe organ they now use. He was part of the founding force in the organization of the first senior citizens group which later became Blanche McCarthy Senior Center.

Mr. Eid was also a teacher at Northwest Connecticut Community College, chairman of the Republican Town Committee and instrumental in bringing President Nixon to town. He also participated in the March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.

Toward the end of his ministry, Rev. Eid served at several small churches in the Hornell-Canisteo, N.Y. area. While there, he and his wife were proprietors of the Eid Home, a home for the elderly. He was active in the ministry until he lost his sight. He was a boxer and played semiprofessional tennis when he was young, modeled and served a hitch in the US Marine Corps, attaining the rank of corporal.

Mr. Eid was also active in several off-Broadway plays and was well known for his beautiful baritone voice.

Although he had many accomplishments, his greatest was his love for his family, friends and most of all his grandchildren. His favorite places were his cabin in Hartsville, N.Y. and home on the Vineyard.

In addition to his wife of 49 years, he is survived by his children, Wayne Eric Eid of Frankfort, Ohio, Dawn Renfrew and her husband, Wayne, of Barkhamsted, Darlene Grant and her husband, Jymes, and Debbie Eid-Kerr, both of Winsted and Tracy Morales-Gableman and her husband, David, of Torrington, Conn.; a brother, Martin Eid, and his wife, Sherrie, of Livonia, Mich.; two sisters, Mildred Belcher and her husband, Charles, of Hyde Park, N.Y. and Trudy Anderson of Garden City, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Helen Tengelsen of Torrington; six grandchildren, Yori Nicolescu of Benicia, Calif., Danielle Nicolescu of Winsted, Spenser and Mitchell Renfrew of Barkhamsted, Shelby and Tyler Grant of Winsted and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Winsted United Methodist Church, 630 Main street. Burial will be in Forest View Cemetery in Winsted in the spring. Maloney Funeral Home, 55 Walnut street in Winsted is in charge of arrangements. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Winsted United Methodist Church, or the food pantry of the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church.