Edward N Gifford

Edward N. Gifford, storyteller, gentleman, and friend to all, died on July 4, 2018 after a short struggle with failing heart and lungs. Edward was born in Schenectady on April 6, 1924 to Henry and Edna (North) Gifford. He was also predeceased by brothers Don, David and Guerdon. Edward graduated from Nott Terrace High School in January 1942 and spent a short time at Principia College before enlisting in the army. He served in WWII in both Europe and the Pacific. Upon returning to Schenectady he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Trumbull. He finished his college degree at Columbia and earned a Masters degree from Columbia Teachers College. After a short stint teaching in Rhinebeck, NY they moved to Schenectady and established themselves on the family farm at Rynex Corners (Rotterdam), where they raised children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, while looking out for dozens of nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and anyone else who stopped to chat. Professionally, Edward was President and chief searcher at Gifford Abstract Corporation, which he took over from his father and ran for 33 years before turning the business over to his son, Tom. Edward served on the Schalmont School Board, the BOCES School Board and was an "almost-chartered" member of the Plotterkill Fire Department. Most Tuesday nights found him practicing with the Schenectady chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly SPEBSQSA) where he sang bass in the chorus and with a number of quartets. After years of singing, he knew the words to many songs, and anything you said reminded him of a song he would be happy to sing to you. Edward was predeceased by his wife Nancy in 2010. He is survived by his son Thomas (Nancy) Gifford of Scotia, NY, his son Evan (Susan) Gifford of Baltimore, MD, as well as five grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Stephen (Holly) Gifford and Matthew and Jason of North Haven, CT; Alison (Ron) Dubray and Miranda of Gloversville, NY; Emily Gifford of Utica, NY; Becca (Chris)Vockley of Swampscott, MA and Austin Gifford of Baltimore, MD. "Uncle Eddy" is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their offspring. A Gathering to celebrate Edward's life will be Sunday from 2-4PM at the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Edward's memory to the Plotterkill Fire Department 3985 Putnam Road Schenectady, NY 12306 or to the charity of one's choice.