Edward Nizolek

1925 - 2024

Edward Nizolek

April 20, 1925 - June 23, 2024

It is with a profound sense of loss yet with great admiration for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of "Big Smilin'" Edward Nizolek, who departed this earthly realm on June 23, 2024. Born on April 20, 1925, in Stamford, CT, to Stanley and Mary Nizolek, he was the fourth and self-proclaimed most mischievous of eight children. He was 99 years old.

Born on his family's farm in Stamford, Ed always appreciated a bountiful garden, nice cold, fresh milk from their two Jersey cows and the songs of the beautiful yellow canaries that his father raised. From a young age, Ed was captivated by the beautiful horses kept on the farms nearby.

Later on, Ed's life was characterized by his love for the great outdoors, his captivating charm, and, together with his wife, Ellen, as the most welcoming host- leaving his family and guests with big smiles and full bellies. Ed was a natural storyteller, easily relating outrageous and entertaining anecdotes- whether it be of humorous and colorful characters that he encountered or a great deal he had happened upon at the grocery store. Ed was known for having a twinkle in his eyes and a vibrant and infectious laugh. Ed attributed his long and healthy life to fresh air, ice cold spring water from a well at least 1000 feet deep and "a shot and a beer" every night. Ed valued togetherness with friends and loved ones most of all.

A brave World War II veteran, he boldly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting and serving in the SEABEES as soon as his parents would allow. Ed was very proud of his service, talking often of his experience and proudly displaying his artifacts where all could see.

In his professional life, Edward first worked for Achilles Rustici as a homebuilder, where he was first introduced to his future wife, Ellen. He then branched off to become a successful electrical contractor, taking pride in having wired the very first Caldor Department Store and the home of Brooklyn Dodgers' Jackie Robinson.

Ed later became the owner and operator of two dude ranches, the Tumbleweed Dude Ranch in the Catskill Mountains followed by Bit N' Bridle Dude Ranch in Stony Creek, NY. Together with his family, Ed's dedication and hard work transformed the ranch into a place where family and guests alike would come together to laugh, relax and "horse around," many often calling and visiting for decades thereafter.

In his spare time, Ed was a die-hard sports fan- especially baseball and the NY Yankees. Ed generally loved his Dallas Cowboys but may have developed a recent fondness for the Kansas City Chiefs. Ed was an accomplished cook - and always had the materials to feed a fleet at the ready. While he was able, he loved to spend time with his horses, most recently Tucker and Spirit. He loved to tend to his tomatoes and basil in the garden- looking forward to eating fresh slices with a sprinkle of salt. Ed found solace relaxing on his front porch, watching the birds, listening to sports radio or classic country music with his canine companions by his side.

His life was equally touched by those who preceded him in death, including his parents and his siblings: Rose, Stanley, Evelyn, Josephine, Charlie, Jean, and Joan, as well as his beloved Ellen.

Edward is survived by his six children: Edward Jr., Patricia Conte, Daniel (Carol), David (Sally), William (Linda) and Thomas Nizolek; as well as grandchildren: Richard Conte (Courtney), Lia Conte, Anna Nizolek, Sara Nizolek, Laura Cartier (Bill), Ashley Nizolek, Zachary Nizolek (Taylor), Colby Nizolek (Abbey), Alexandra Nizolek, Dylan Nizolek (Madison), Cody Nizolek (Alexandra), and Andrew Nizolek; 10 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; as well as so many beloved nieces, nephews, and countless friends and past visitors of the ranch.

A visitation will be held at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, Schuylerville, located at 13 Gates Avenue, Schuylerville, New York, 12871, on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:15p.m.. Please consider bringing your favorite stories and memories to share.

This will be followed by his celebration of life at the funeral home beginning at 1:15 p.m. followed by a graveside service with full military honors at 2:30p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, New York, 12871.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Department, who were always ready to lend a helping hand: Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 38, Stony Creek, NY, 12878.

Edward's life was a testament to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for love. We invite you to share your memories of Edward and upload photos to his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com, as we celebrate and remember a life that was a source of inspiration to all.