EDWARD DALTON WELLS

PORTLAND, Maine — Edward Dalton Wells passed away peacefully in his home in Portland, Maine on May 12, 2025.

Ed was born on May 15, 1947, in Hartford, Conn. to Harland Wells and Evelyn Wallace Wells, joining the family as the fourth of five brothers, Richard, George, Harland and Roger. Ed grew up throughout the Northeast Kingdom and graduated from Newport High School in 1966. He studied education at Lyndon State College and earned a master’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1972. In 1971 Ed married JoAnn Provost, also of Newport, Vermont.

Ed was a devoted educator, father and husband. He spent over 40 years teaching at Vergennes Elementary School, where he was loved for his humor and playfulness (it just wasn’t a soccer game unless Mr. Wells was also on the field!). He loved working with children, and had a special way of connecting, even with those that struggled the most. After retiring to Maine, Ed continued to work in schools, teaching at Cathedral School and then substitute teaching at Longfellow Elementary School in Portland, Maine.

Ed delighted most in spending time with his family, particularly his four grandchildren — reading with Sloane, teaching Dalton how to play baseball, riding horses with Alice, and searching for sea glass with Eliza. He loved golf, the Red Sox, and “puttering” in his garden. He always saw the light in any situation, and his boundless optimism and gentle hum while he worked around the house will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ed is predeceased by his granddaughter Alice Denecker and survived by his wife, JoAnn; their two daughters, Amy Wells Denecker and Lauren Wells Sellazzo; sons-in-law, Shawn Denecker and Peter Sellazzo; and grandchildren Eliza Denecker and Dalton and Sloane Sellazzo.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ed’s memory to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Donations can be sent to: Maine Medical Center Development Office, Attn: Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.◊