Edward Vincent Girzone

Edward Vincent Girzone "Ed," 87, went home to Jesus peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024 with his devoted wife of sixty years by his side. Ed was the son of the late Peter and Margaret Girzone. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Girzone, and his seven children who were his pride and joy, and their wonderful spouses: Anna Shafer (Stephen), Peter (Iris), Theresa Girzone King (Glenn), Rita Girzone (Kevin Hsu), Edward (Jennifer), Angela Anderson (Ken), and Christopher. Additionally, he is survived by twelve grandchildren: Nathaniel Shafer, Romy and Adrienne Girzone, John, Charlotte, and Sally King, Cassandra, William, Andrew, and Daniel Girzone, and Noah and Christian Anderson, each of whom adored their beloved "Papi" (Poppy).

Ed was the fifth of twelve children. He is survived by his siblings Margaret Mary Girzone, Lorraine Bashant (Lester), Mary Girzone (Peter Mueller), Cecelia Petrie, Bernadette Conrad (John), Frances Girzone, and Edmund Girzone (Carmela). He is predeceased by his siblings Fr. Joseph F. Girzone, James E. Girzone (Dolores), William Girzone, and Eleanor McHenry. Among his surviving relatives are Kathleen's lovely siblings and twenty-eight nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply.

Ed was a proud graduate of the Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, where he was a member of the Cadet Marching Band. Ed had very fond memories of his higher education, especially at Mount Saint Mary's College in Maryland, where he met his beautiful wife Kathleen at a college Alumni dance. Later, he also graduated from Fordham University in New York City and the State University of New York at Albany, earning a Master's of Social Work and subsequently, his ACSW from New York State.

Ed was a four-decade public servant in addition to his years of service through his own private therapy practice. His many career accomplishments included his role as the Deputy Commissioner of the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services where he was instrumental in the implementation of the new state and national Medicare program. He later served as Assistant Director of Vanderheyden Hall for Children and Adolescent Care. He subsequently worked at the Capital District Psychiatric Center where he was Chief of the Geriatric Unit and at the Whitney Young Community Health Center as Director of the Mental Health Department. Throughout these many years he also offered his compassion and counsel through his private practice in psychotherapy. After retirement from his career, he honed his talent for landscaping. Ed worked incredibly hard as he and Kathleen, a deeply dedicated mother and RN, raised their seven children in Troy. As proud of his career as Ed was, he held his greatest pride in his children and grandchildren.

Ed received many beautiful qualities from his always cherished parents, including his deep and enduring faith. His generosity and courage was an inspiration to his family, and his unique charm and incredible wit made him a joy to be around. The famous twinkle in his eyes had a way of drawing everyone in, and it was one of his missions in life to ensure that each person on the receiving end of his attention felt special and appreciated.

Ed will be remembered as a larger than life storyteller, a comedian extraordinaire, an avid and artistic gardener, a wonderful singer, the best pumpkin pie baker and Italian red sauce maker, a sports-lover (especially the Yankees!), an antique collector, an expert-baby holder, and an animal whisperer - he was known to pray with animals of all kinds and many would sit on his lap or shoulder or eat out of his hand. His countless funny expressions and sayings are oft-quoted by his children and grandchildren to choruses of laughter. Ed was not only incredibly funny and bright in his aura, but also possessed a depth of character exemplified by his sage wisdom, inexhaustible love for his family, his nurturing stewardship of the natural world, his insightful observations of human behavior, and his absolute trust in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The family would like to first thank the staff at Peregrine Senior Living at Delmar Place, who took such wonderful care of Ed for the last year and a half. He cherished everyone there and the feeling was mutual - he was known by many as "the Mayor" or simply "the Man." The family also wishes to thank the staff of St. Peter's Hospital's Critical Care Unit on the second floor, and the staff of the St. Peter's Community Hospice, whose compassionate care brought peace and comfort to Ed and his family during his final days.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Ed on Thursday, August 1st, at 10:30am in Sacred Heart Church, Troy. Family and friends are invited to visit with Ed's family Wednesday, July 31st, from 4 until 7 pm in the Daniel D. Purcell Funeral Home, 510 Pawling Avenue (Corner of Pawling Avenue and Parkview Court) Troy. Interment will be in the Gerald G.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery immediately following the mass on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ed's name to the St. Peter's Hospital Community Hospice - Hospice Inn <https://www.givetocommunityhospice.org/donate/> or to Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese <https://www.ccrcda.org/give-help/donate-online/>. Additionally, perhaps the best way to honor Ed would be to simply seek to nurture the spirit of another person each day through showing genuine care and attentiveness.

Ed Girzone lived a full and blessed life and made the lives of everyone he encountered more full and blessed from his first days to his last.