BOVINA CENTER - Edward F. Rossley, 92, of Bovina Center, passed peacefully on Jan. 10, 2020, following a short illness.

He was born on May 14, 1927, in Malone, the oldest son of Edward J. and Nora Rossley.

He married Joan M. Fynaut of Lyons, on March 22, 1947. She predeceased him on Feb. 15, 2000.

Ed was career military entering the service during World War II and retiring after Vietnam in 1970, with 27½ years of active duty. During that time he earned several high decorations and citations. Following his military career, he was with the University Police at SUNY Delhi for 20 years.

Ed was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1947. He served as Grand Knight of Delhi/Downsville/Walton Council 11442 for five years. He was also a fourth-degree Knight with Assembly 731 in Oneonta. A life-member of the American Legion, he served as sergeant-of arms for Delhi Post 190 and headed up the Color Guard for more than 20 years. He was also a member of several Navy and Air Force organizations.

He was a long-time member of the Delaware County Shields. He was a member of the Bovina Fire Deparment. for 37 years serving as fire police captain since 1970. He helped organize the Bovina Emergency Squad in 1975 and served as its captain. Ed was known affectionately as Sarge, Mr. Ed, and Trouble by his many friends and coworkers.

Ed is survived by his daughter-in-law, Caroline Rossley of Virginia Beach, Virginia, daughters, Cynthia A. (Randal) Hill of Ellisville, Mississippi, Honora J. (Byron) Trimbell, Roberta R.(Robert) Burgin and son, Edward T. (Gretchen) Rossley, all of Bovina Center.

He is also survived by his sister-in- law, Marge Rossley of Niceville, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Blessed with 16 grandchildren, he is survived by 37 great-grandchildren.

His son, Joseph H. of Marinette, Wisconsin, predeceased him on Sept. 15, 2018. His sisters and brother, Eleanor, Frances, June, Betty, Sandra and Bob; and grandson, Marcus, also predeceased him.

Ed's many faithful friends brightened his day including Charlie, his feline sidekick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to USMC Toys for Tots, Delaware County Sheriff's Camp Fund or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

His well-lived life will be celebrated with calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Delhi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday at St. Peters Church, Cross Street, Delhi with the Rev. Edward Golding, Celebrant. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Bovina Cemetery. A reception will follow at Delhi American Legion.

Share condolences with the Rossley family online at www.hallandpeet.com.