UPDATE Ed Vebell, the pen and ink adventurer, World War II cavalryman, the only illustrator at the Nuremberg trials, Olympic fencer and prolific artist for national magazines, died Friday night at his Westport home. He was 96.
(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ed Vebell: After exhibit opening he said he “could go.” Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
“My father Ed Vebell passed away peacefully last night at home,” his daughter Andra Vebell said.
Born May 25, 1921 in Chicago, Vebell lived in the same Quentin Road home he and his late wife Elsa had purchased in 1953.
“He’d had congestive heart failure for some time now but was determined to make it to his show at the Historical Society,” the daughter said. “After that, he said he could go.”
The exhibit titled “The Curious Case of Ed Vebell” opened Jan. 28 at the Westport Historical Society (WHS), drawing more than 100 persons to celebrate the work and legacy of a local resident who, with his pen, had a front-row seat in the mid-20th century. The exhibit runs through April 19.
“The show was a perfect send off for him, being surrounded by family and friends all there to honor his lifetime of work,” she said.
In addition to Andra, he is survived by daughters Victoria Vebell and Renee Vebell and three grandsons.
The daughter said the family is planning a memorial service to be held at the WHS. A date has not yet been set.
In a statement, First Selectman Jim Marpe said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of Ed Vebell’s death.
“He was one of those unique and accomplished people that make Westport such an extraordinary community. I was fortunate to spend a few minutes with Ed just two weekends ago at the opening of the Historical Society’s exhibit, ‘The Curious Case of Ed Vebell,’ and to help celebrate his status as grand marshal of our Memorial Day events last May.
“As always, he was witty, insightful and a joy to be with. On behalf of the Town of Westport, I want to express our condolences to his daughters Andra, Renee and Victoria and their families. Thank you for sharing Ed with us. He was a special person and will truly be missed.”
—James Lomuscio
