Edward Thomas Wurz Sr., age 88 passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side on July 23rd after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 31, 1928 in Utica, NY- the middle child of James H. Wurz, Sr. and Rose (Thomas). He attended local schools- St. Francis de Sales, and graduated from UFA- class of 1947, where he received varsity letters for baseball, basketball and football. His football team gave UFA the first undefeated season since 1935, and was considered an “All-American”. That same year their baseball team won city scholastic championship. He attended Utica College for business. He continued his love of sports by playing and coaching for the Kiwanis Club, MUNY leagues and Boy’s Clubs. He spent summers at his family’s camps in Boonville as a child and in Old Forge as a young adult. In Old Forge he played baseball on summer leagues and drove the mail boat and original wooden 10-seat tour boat for Ray Burke up and down the chain of lakes. He also enjoyed waterskiing up the channel and fishing with his beloved cousin- Father George Wurz. He married Irene F. Rahauiser in 1957, was married for 33 years and had 5 children in this blessed union. It was with Irene and their family that he continued his love of the Adirondacks- now in Brantingham, where they spent summers, weekends, holidays- any chance they could for over 60 years. Even during his battle with cancer he went to camp every weekend to assist and supervise his children with work that needed to be done. Ed was in a 60-year partnership with his brother James (Big Cheese) in which they ran the family business- Bonide Products, that their father- James and Uncle – George founded in 1926. The brothers retired in 2005 and handed business off to their sons, but continued to be involved with operations and attend weekly management meetings until June 2017. He was on the Deerfield Town Board for 19 years as a councilman and had many stories about “politicking” door to door with one of his favorite cousins-Don Youlen. He served as treasurer of the Deerfield Democratic Club until his passing. The highlight of his political duties was going to NYC every year for “education”. Ed was in the Navy reserves from 1954-1958. He was one of the founding members of the pitch league at Robert’s Post in Holland Patent and played for 38 years including this past season. Ed was a devout Catholic and attended mass weekly at St. Peter’s in N. Utica, and St. Mary’s/St. Hedwig’s while in Brantingham. He followed the Lord’s word by living humbly, with humility and giving to his community. He/Bonide received a Starfish Award this year from Catholic Charities for their community support. He is survived by his 4 children which he loved greatly- Edward T, Jr., Michael J. (wife Sharon), Debra A. and Gregory P.. 6 Grandchildren which he endeared deep in his heart- Erika, Stephanie, Andrew, Michael, Curtis and Trevor. Extended grandchildren- Nick and Nate along with parents Ginny (Thackrah) and Lance Ketchum. His many nieces-specially remembering Suzie and Roseanne( Wurz), nephews also specially remembering Jimmy (Wurz), and the Albicker family, his cousins- Ellie (Wurz) Mazloom and family, Lois (Wurz) Bianco, George Wurz, the Ziobro family, Bigg’s, Creedon’s, Reittinger’s, the Bonide family and the ADK families.... He is predeceased by his son- Kurt, wife- Irene, partner Nancy Thackrah, brother James J., sister Jacklyn (Albicker), father James H., mother Rose, step mothers Helen and Neva. His family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care for their kind and compassionate care throughout his final months. Also Oxford Home Care (Leah, Sherry, Aida & Damien) and US Home Care (Katie) for helping his family fulfill his desire to stay at home. Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and The Faxton Regional Cancer Center for their respectful and compassionate care- for his “girls” who provided chemo treatments and warmly referred to him as “special Ed”; Dr. Michael Adornato , Dr. Talarico and both office’s staff. Edward's Funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church on Monday 7/31/2017 at 11:30am and burial immediately following at St Peter's Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS...PLEASE MAKE DONATION TO: HOSPICE AND AMERICA CANCER SOCIETY.