Edward Allen Kangas, 81, of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2026 with his wife Cathy and son Scott by his side. He was born on May 22, 1944, in Wichita, Kansas.
Ed Kangas https://hoytfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1993/Edward-Kangas/obituary.html#tribute-start
Ed earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1967, where he was President of Delta Chi Fraternity and VP of the interfraternity council. He went on to build an extraordinary 33 year career in business and finance at Deloitte, first as a Partner and culminating in his role as Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement in 2000.
After retiring from Deloitte, he continued his distinguished career, and served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including Hovnanian Enterprises — a company he was particularly proud of — as well as United Technologies, Deutsche Bank USA, Intelsat, Tenet Healthcare, and Intuit. He was also a former Chairman of the Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
While Ed’s professional accomplishments were many, his favorite role was helping guide his wife Cathy’s company, Prai Beauty, which brought him immense pride and joy.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Cathy Stephens Kangas; his children, Scott (Erin) Kangas of Shelton, Connecticut, Jeff (Nicole) Kangas of Lafayette, California, Jennifer Brez (Zach) of New York, New York; his grandchildren Quinn, Jake, Lily, Ben, Annie, Evan and Scarlett; and by his godchildren, Tyler, Nicole and Samantha. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marjorie Stephens; his brothers-in-law, Edward Sion and Robert Stephens; sister-in-law Julie Stephens; niece, Melanie Sion; nephew, Michael Sion; and his rescue beagle, Foxy.
He was predeceased by his parents Silvia and Ozzie Kangas and his sister, Miriam Sion. Cathy is particularly grateful to his son Scott, an APRN, who dedicated his time and love around the clock helping to care for Ed in his last months.
Ed had a deep love for animals and strongly supported Cathy’s animal advocacy efforts, including playing a critical role in helping secure the release of testing beagles from a major laboratory in 2022. Outside of work and philanthropy, he travelled extensively, loved Disney World, college basketball, and a scoop of ice cream topped with Amaretto.
Ed will be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, humor, and devotion to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider furthering Ed’s love for animal welfare with a contribution in his name to Humane World for Animals or the Cathy Kangas Foundation for Animals.
https://www.humaneworld.org/en
https://cathykangasfoundation.org/
A celebration of Ed’s life will be planned by the family at a later date.
The Family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840
For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com
[This obituary appeared on the Hoyt Funeral Home website.]