Edward Gagner

DELMAR, NY - Edward A. Gagner, 76, of Delmar passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 12, 2012 after a brief struggle with lung cancer. Born in Albany, NY on June 5, 1935, he was the son of the late Romeo and Catherine (Murphy) Gagner. Ed graduated from Vincentian Institute, Albany in 1954. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 as a tank commander in Company A, 30th Tank Battalion, stationed at Ft. Knox, KY. He also served as a volunteer fireman with the Delmar Fire Dept. from 1953-1962. For over 35 years, Ed was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Delmar and continued on to become postmaster of Feura Bush, NY. He had a keen interest in American History, especially the Civil War and enjoyed visiting historical sites while traveling. In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by a sister, Rita M. Gagner. He is survived by his wife, Carol A. (Rose) Gagner; a daughter, Therese K. Gagner of Boston, MA; two sisters, Anastasia T. Gagner and Dorothea A. Gagner, both of Delmar. He was also brother-in-law to Barbara R. Brown and her husband, Edward W. Brown of Voorheesville, NY and Arthea D. Stongin and husband, Irving S. Stongin of Albany. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Bernadette, Loretta, Robaire and Diana of the Community Hospice of Albany for their care and compassion during Ed's illness. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 3 to 6 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 am Tuesday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Taunton, MA on Tuesday following the funeral mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Albany, NY 12211 or Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.