Obituary of Edward J. Staff

Edward J. Staff Jr. (Bud) Walker Valley, NY Edward Joseph Staff Jr. of Walker Valley, New York passed away peacefully with his beloved family at his side, on Thursday, June 6th, 2013. He was 74 years young. Edward is the son of the late Annette Rio Staff and Edward Joseph Staff Sr. of Walker Valley. He was born in Tucahoe, New York. He was married on July 10th, 1960, to his beloved high school soul mate, Ann Bender Staff, for 53 happy years. He is the devoted father of Judith Ann Staff, Carol Lee Tremper, and Edward Joseph Staff III. He is the proud grandfather of Ryan Balbach and his wife, Christina, Alexander Staff Sosnowski, Jared Balbach and his fiancée Ashley Critelli, Rachael Staff Sosnowski, Ariene Balbach, Joseph Staff, James Tremper, and Anneliese Tremper. He is also survived by his son-in-law James Tremper and daughter-in-law, Barbara Walters Staff; James Mills who recently became part of the family, his sister-in-law, Rosemary Moskowitz, and her husband Walter, his cousin and best friend, Paul Dinto and his wife Elaine; as well as his cousin Jeanne Houghtaling. Edward also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. An honors graduate of Pine Bush High School, he was a member of the State Champion basketball team and also played football; which earned him a scholarship to Hobart College. Edward attended school for plumbing and steam fitting. He was instrumental in the construction of the power plants at Dance Camera and Rosten. An extremely talented man, Edward designed and built his family's home. He was a member of the Plumber Steamfitter Local 373, a lifetime member of the NRA, as well as a lifetime member of the Walker Valley Volunteer Fire Company. Edward enjoyed life to its' fullest. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and an avid fan of all sports, and enjoyed the rivalry he had with Gary Kulp. He also looked forward to his Tuesday night poker games. Edward was an animal lover, most especially of his shepherds. Edward was the patriarch of his family; serving both as their rock and their moral compass. We will be inconsolable until we are all together again. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 9th, 2013, from 2-5 PM at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, located at 1525 Burlingham Rd. Pine Bush, NY 12566. Funeral services will be offered by Pastor Robert Hewitt on June 10th, 2013 at 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Walker Valley Cemetery, Walker Valley, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pets Alive, @PetsAliveWest.Org, or the Walker Valley Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 370, Walker Valley, NY 12588. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com