J. Edward Kaish

J. Edward Kaish, 87, of Camillus, passed away Friday, May 11, 2018 at Syracuse VA Medical Center from a brief illness. Born in Syracuse, he lived in Camillus since 1957. Ed received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Syracuse University where he was in the first undergrad class of the Radio and TV majors, the precursor to the Newhouse School of Communications. When other dads played golf, he was a Marine reservist and a weekend jazz and big band drummer where he played with the Mario DeSantis Orchestra and several other bands in the Syracuse area. He served with honor in the United States Marine Corps in Force Recon during the Korean War period. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for over 30 years, including command of the 8th Tank Battalion and retired as Col. USMCR. Semper Fi. Ed began his career on air with the “Alarm Klock” morning show and served as the news director for WFBL and WSEN. Following that, he worked in public affairs for General Electric for 20 years and the Niagara Mohawk for 21 years where he arranged many county-wide nuclear power plant drills collaborating with first responders and the media. He served as an active volunteer with the American Red Cross Disaster Services where he received the National Disaster Volunteer Award in 1999. Ed was honored as First Citizen by the Camillus Chamber of Commerce in 2003 and on June 2, 2009, he received a Proclamation from the County of Onondaga, State of New York, Office of the County Executive, as J. Edward Kaish Day. Ed was a committed parishioner of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where he served as a vestry member and lay minister. He was involved in several organizations, including the Sheriff's Citizens Advisory Committee, the Marine Corps League – Syracuse Detachment, lifetime member of the Syracuse Press Club, Thursday Morning Round Table and the Syracuse Musicians’ Union. Ed was predeceased by his beloved wife, Olga, of 55 years.

Surviving are his children and their families, Terri (Tom) Kaish Finger of Oviedo, FL and Tanya (Randall) Kaish Keller of Norfolk, VA; sons, Mark (Missy) of Marietta, GA and Todd of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Mary Charles, Ned and Kathryn Kaish, Faith Finger and Rory Keller.

The family extends warmth and gratitude to his long-time and loving companion aide and friend, Melinda Coats, as well as aides Tina, Queenie and Charletta. The family also recognizes the compassionate medical staff at the Syracuse VA Medical Center where he was treated with respect and dignity. Ed’s great passion was his family, his community and country. He will be missed by all.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

Services will be Thursday, May 17 at 10 a.m. in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5402 W. Genesee St., Camillus. He will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to The American Red Cross, Western and Central New York Region Disaster Services, 344 W. Genessee St., Syracuse, NY 13202 or just volunteer and help make a difference in your community.