Edmund L. Lasek,Sr.

Mr. Edmund L. Lasek, Sr., Retired Lt. UFD, age 84, of Utica, was reunited with his loved ones who went before him, when he passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on November 6, 1926, Edmund was the son of the late Valentine and Mary (Gacek) Lasek. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1943 graduate of Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Ed served his country for 5 years, 7 months during World War II as an Engineman Second Class and Motor Mechanic for the tank landing naval ship USS LST-1027 stationed in the Philippine Islands. He was highly decorated for his honorable time of service. On June 21, 1952 he married the former Mary Siriani with whom he shared a 46-year union prior to her passing on May 1, 1999; they were "book ends", inseparable in heart and mind, and he cherished her to the moment of his passing. With a continuing desire to serve and protect his fellow man, Ed joined the ranks of the Utica Fire Department on July 1, 1951, serving at several houses including Stations #5, 7, and 3. He retired as a Lieutenant on May 1, 1985. During his career, he was a member of the Firefighters Union where he held the position of vice president. Among his personal attributes, Ed was proud, courageous, and self motivated. He was highly respected by his fellow firefighters and admired as a teacher of the best practices of firefighting safety. He was also a wonderful dad, and he raised his children to appreciate the core values of life. He was a person who knew the meaning of respect from a young age, and he lived his life internalizing life experiences, yet sharing his love and knowledge with much modesty. But it was when his family surrounded him that Ed was the happiest. He was blessed with a mathematical mind, a gift he used in his carpentry projects. He also enjoyed the art of cooking, especially during the years at the firehouse. Of course, he was a New York Yankees fan who possessed an intuitive knowledge of the sport. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #1290. At one time he was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church and more recently a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Ed is survived by his daughter, Donna M. Capraro with whom he shared a home; and his son and daughter-in-law, Edmund L. Jr. and Elaine C. Lasek of Whitesboro. He cherished the memory of his son, David J. Lasek, who passed away on August 22, 2006, almost five years to the day of his passing. He also leaves his grandchildren, Dr. Gerald, Jr. and Jessica Capraro, Michelle Capraro; Eddie Lasek, Audrey L. Lasek; Alyssa M. Lasek, Jene` L. Lasek, and David J. Lasek, Jr., and their mother Maria Lasek; and his great-grandchildren, Madeline, Anthony, and Vincent. In addition, he leaves his sisters and brother-in-law, Genevieve and Gerry Lattin, and Dorothy Walden; his brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Carolyn Lasek; many nieces, especially Pattie Franco, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, including Gerald Talerico who was also his best friend, and his brother-in-law, Anthony Siriani. He was predeceased by his brothers, John Lasek, and Eugene Lasek; his sisters, Margaret Oastler, and Rose Roczen; and his in-laws, Tessie and Mario Milano. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Fred Talarico and Nurse Practitioner Pat Rosati for their professional compassion, the administrators and staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY for the attentive and homelike care offered to Ed during his stay; and the St. Elizabeth Medical Center 3B & C staff who helped Ed with much dedication during his final journey. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Ed's funeral service and Celebration of Life with Firefighter's Honors will commence on Saturday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Msgr. Francis Willenburg. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity Cemetery graveside with Military Honors conferred.

Edmund L. Lasek,Sr.

November 6, 1926 - August 21, 2011