Obituary of Edward E. Powers

Edward E. Powers III, 71, of Oriskany, formerly of Rome, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Rome Hospital. He was born in Rome on October 1, 1943 the son of the late Dr. Edward E. and Mary Rose Powers. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Sherry Harrrar, and a beloved brother, Brian Patrick Powers. He is survived by special friend and partner Diane Morgan, his brothers, Timothy and Christopher Powers of Sylvan Beach, his sisters, Susan (Jerry) Farnsworth of Camden and Cathleen Powers of Sylvan Beach, his much-loved uncle, Paul Powers, of Rome, eight nieces and nephews and their twelve children, all of whom were his greatest pride and, along with his faithful black Labrador retriever, Duck, were among his greatest joys. He attended St. Aloysius Academy and graduated from LaSalle Military Academy, Long Island, NY. He attended Niagara and Columbia Universities and proudly served as a U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He had a life-long love of flying and was a skilled and dedicated pilot. He flew commercially for the former Empire Airlines and became a highly regarded private flight instructor. He was a skydiver, an avid outdoorsman, hunter and firearms enthusiast and an accomplished competitive skeet and trap shooter. He especially enjoyed participating and instructing shooters at the Clinton Fish and Game Club - his special place and pals - and through his own business, Adirondack Sporting Clays. He had a singular zest for life and camaraderie and a boundlessly generous devotion to family and friends and he will long be warmly remembered as one of a special kind. The family wishes to extend special appreciation to Dr. Cotronea and the nurses and staff of Rome Hospital, 2N for providing such exceptional care. There will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to join with the family at St. Peter's Church, Rome, for Mass of Christian Burial and a celebration of life at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16. Interment will be in the Powers family grave at St. Peter's Cemetery in the spring. Memorial tributes may be made to St. Peter's Church or the Rome Humane Society. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome. Personal thoughts can be offered and this obituary viewed on-line at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.