C. Edward VanZandt, 71, of Castile, New York, died Saturday, July 8, surrounded by his loved ones at home.
He was born on September 2, 1951 in Albany, New York, the son of the late Charles R. VanZandt and Frances A. (Butler) VanZandt.
Ed graduated from Colony Central High School in 1969 and received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York-Potsdam.
He was a music teacher at Letchworth Central School, but retired in 2006. Ed loved his teaching career, his colleagues, and his LCS family. After his retirement, Ed spent his spare time repairing instruments and wanted to spread his love of music by repairing and donating instruments to those who wanted to play. Ed with the Genesee Symphony where he was principal trumpeter for 28 years, Perry also played with Community He Band, Full He Swing and the Batavia Brass Society. In addition to his deep love of music, Ed enjoys golfing, traveling, winemaking, and spending time with his Buffalo Street neighbors who have supported his family through the trials and tribulations of his life. enjoyed it too.
Ed was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Castile, where he served on many committees, and was also a longtime member of the New York State School Music Association.
He is left with a loving wife of fifty years, Mercy J. (Sector) Van Zandt. Daughter Casey H. VanZandt of Dunsville. Two sons, Mark E. (Heather) VanZant of Alexandria, Virginia, and Christopher J. VanZant of Washington, DC. His sister is Karen (Robert) Conklin, who lives in Albany. One brother, James D. Van Zandt, who lives in Albany. Two grandchildren, James R. Vanzant and Benjamin E. Vanzant. Along with a few nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded by his younger brother, Gary P. VanZandt, who died in 2023.
A ceremony to celebrate Ed’s life will be held on August 6 at 1:00 pm at the Church of the United Christ of Castile, 4 Washington Street, Castile.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the ALS Association Upstate NY Chapter, 135 Old Cove Road, Suite 213, Liverpool, NY 13090 or The Castile United Church of Christ, 4 Washington Street, Castile, NY. 14427
Arrangements have been completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 N. Main St., Perry, NY 14530. For more information or to sign the online guest registry, please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com.
