Ed Rosado has been taking the lead his entire life, combining his love of art, military history, and fighting for the rights and progress of Latinos.
Rosado saw his wide spanning career take him from professional illustrator to Latino community activist. Along the way he served as a member of the Connecticut Governor’s Horse Guard, and a Boy Scout leader whose three sons earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Badge.
Born in the Bronx, Ed spent his earliest years going back and forth to Puerto Rico during the summers. He became completely bilingual, and later pursued his love of art, enrolling in The School of Visual Arts in NYC. He studied Commercial Art, Fashion Illustration and Graphic Design, leading him to jobs in the fashion Industry, and later as an Artist/Illustrator before relocating to Connecticut in 1968 after he was hired as an art director for a major retail chain.
A few years later, the accomplished professional illustrator felt a need to help members of the growing Puerto Rican community in Connecticut. He applied for a job as director of the Spanish Speaking Center in New Britain, a community action agency and was hired. While at the Spanish Speaking Center he brought new enthusiasm and new ideas. He created a Teen Advisory Board to engage the city’s young Latinos and instill a sense of community service. Those young Latinos include CTLatinoNews publisher Diane Alverio, businesswoman Marilyn Alverio, and Hartford Public Works Executive Marilynn Cruz among many others who will always remember Ed as a mentor and a friend.
During his years at the center, Ed also introduced a new BOLT (Basic Occupational Language Training) Program to New Britain, as well as RIF (Reading Is Fundamental). He later worked with Nuestra Casa Adult Learning Center in New London, OIC in Bridgeport and helped create a statewide Latino coalition In Massachusetts when he worked for the Association of Latin- Americans for Progressive Action in Worcester, Mass.
Later in life, his love of art came calling again and he returned as art director for the D & L stores, until his retirement. But even in retirement, Ed continues to share his talents. He is presently teaching art at adult and senior centers, at various public libraries and Parks & Recreation programs. He recently served on the town of Higganum’s 350th Birthday Anniversary Committee and enjoys quiet time with his wife of 53 years, Marge, and their three sons and three grandchildren.
Ed Rosado is an early Connecticut Latino who has taken the lead in everything he’s tackled.
(Tell us about someone taking the lead in your community. Email us at editor@ctln.local)
