Retired Grumman Aerospace worker Edward Sewell, who lived in Amityville for 41 years, died June 21, 2006 at New Island Hospital in Bethpage. He was 72 years old.

Born April 21, 1934 in Columbia, South Carolina to Martha Breadman and Edward Sewell Sr. The eldest of four children, he grew up in Reedsville, South Carolina. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany from 1953 to 1955. On return he settled in Far Rockaway, Queens, then moved to Amityville in 1965 where he met his partner, Daisy Preston and started a family.

Mr. Sewell worked as an engineer at Grumman for 18 years until his retirement in 1992.

He was called "a living legend in Amityville" by his family, who said he knew everyone and never hesitated to help no matter what the situation called for.

Mr. Sewell leaves behind his partner, Daisy Preston of Amityville; his children: Edward Preston of Amityville, David Preston and his wife Quiana of Edgewood, Maryland, Michael Preston and his wife Valerie of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Andrea Mitchell and her husband Clarence of Richmond, Virginia; his grandson: David Preston of Edgewood, Maryland; his sisters: Juanita Abrams and her husband John of Amityville and Betty Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Billy.

Pastor Maurice Chandler, Center of Excellence Church, officiated the Funeral Service at the Powell Funeral Home, Amityville on June 29, 2006. Interment followed in Calverton National Cemetery with Military Honors.