Obituary of Richard Francis Edwards

The gentle soul of Richard Francis Edwards departed this world on Wednesday evening, August 3rd. He passed peacefully weeks before his eighty-fifth birthday at The Nottingham Senior Living Campus' skilled nursing wing. Richard was born August 22, 1926 in Bridgeport, CT. He was the second son of the late Ira and Jennie Edwards. Richard's father passed away when he was barely three years old. The loss of his father and dire economic times caused his mother to move to a relative's farm in Palermo, NY where he enjoyed his youthful days fishing, hunting and riding his horse through the open fields. Jennie Edwards eventually found employment in Syracuse and relocated with her boys to Seymour Street in the late 1930's. This allowed Richard to attend Central Tech High School where he excelled academically and lettered in track, baseball and basketball. The hard tasks of farming forged within Richard a tenacious work ethic. During high school he helped support his family through various jobs, from paperboy to factory worker. He excelled at machining and mechanics. As was the case for so many of Richard's generation, World War II was the defining event. Richard's older brother Russell was already serving in the Navy when, at age seventeen, Richard convinced his mother to give him permission to enlist. Richard applied his mechanical skills and bravery as a Gunner's Mate on a mine sweeper in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Returning to Syracuse after the war Richard eventually was re-employed by the Syracuse Gauge Company, a small manufacturing business he worked at while in high school. Across the street from his employer worked a young bookkeeper, Cecelia Virginia Rockowski. Richard courted and married Cecelia on October 15th, 1949. Richard saw opportunity at Syracuse Gauge and he and a partner purchased the business in 1956. Cecelia came to work with Richard and over forty years grew their business into a national supplier within the automotive aftermarket employing hundreds of Central New Yorkers. Richard always enjoyed his time with others whether working or socializing. His lifelong interests included bowling, basketball, fishing, hunting and weekend barbeques. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and friends dearly. Please remember his humility, warmth and wit. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Teresa Ellen Edwards and brother Russell. He is survived by his wife Cecelia; children: Patricia (Antonio Carretero) Edwards of Cacares, Spain; Kathleen Edwards O'Toole of Chapel Hill, NC, Christine (John Fugo) Edwards of Chapel Hill, NC, Mark of Syracuse, Susan (Bill Messe) Edwards of Syracuse; 5 grandchildren: Cristina Carretero, Devin O'Toole, Brendon Fugo, Rick and Brian Messe; a great granddaughter: Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home with burial to follow in Woodlawn Mausoleum. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-6pm at the funeral home, 3111 James Street. Memorial contributions may be made to Loretto, 700 East Brighton Avenue, Syracuse 13205.