Enrico M Formica

Enrico M. Formica (Ed) of Athens, NY passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at his daughter's home in Louden Tennessee, surrounded by many members of his loving family. As a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend he was someone who made you smile as soon as you were in his company.
Ed was born at home in the Bronx, New York. He often would share stories about stickball in the streets, eating mickies right out of the backlot firepit, competing in Johnny-Ride-A-Pony and delivering groceries in hopes of getting 2 cents for a tip.
In 1944, at the age of 18, Enrico volunteered to be enlisted in the Armed forces. He had 3 older brothers that were already in the services, and he was the only one left at home to care for his mother. His father had been deceased since he was 10. With that responsibility at home, Ed decided to serve his country and leave his hometown. He was deployed to France/Belgium and served in Germany with the 86th Division, 342nd Infantry Regiment. As the European Campaign came to an end, he was immediately redeployed to the US, then Philippines to serve in the Pacific Theater. He was stationed there for 12 months until his return home in 1946. Ed reached the rank of Sargeant as a Field Lineman.
Upon his return from war, Ed, with the help of the GI bill, attended Temple University to complete a certificate in electronics. Ed worked at WLAN in Lancaster Pennsylvania as a transmitter Engineer and then took a job at WOR in the tip of the needle of the Empire State Building. There he was able to meet many interesting people including Vince Scully and Bing Crosby. After WOR he moved out of New York City and took a job "upstate" at IBM in Kingston, NY. He worked at IBM until his retirement in 1989.
Ed and his wife, Claire, met when they were best-man and maid-of-honor at the same wedding. Ed swept Claire off her feet on the dance floor and were engaged within 6 months and married 6 months later. They moved to their new home, as their honeymoon, in Tillson, New York and spent more than 50 years in their first, original home. In September they would have celebrated 69 years of marriage. During those 69 years they nurtured a family of 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Their love for one another will far outlive the time spent on earth together.
While raising 6 kids, Ed enjoyed volunteering for St. Peter's Parish in Rosendale, NY, was a Little League coach, a member of the Crabgrass Grower's Association, Marriage Encounter member, Krauses Candy pop wrapper as well as parking lot traffic controller, member of the American Legion, avid Met fan and political party campaigner. He also received the distinct honor, in 2023, of Veteran of the Year in Greene County New York.
Ed, Dad, Grandpa, Gpa, was kind, supportive, loving and was always there. His sarcasm was always met with smiles and he could take as much as he could give. We will never forget his sweet smile, his infectious laugh and glint in his eyes when anyone new came into the conversation. He was not ready to go, but God called him home. The truth is, no amount of time would have ever been long enough to have him here with us. We all know he is dancing the night away, giving those great chuckles when he gets all the wildcards while playing Hand and Foot and enjoying that front row seat at all the Met games. He will be missed.
The Formica family wishes to express our gratitude for the compassionate care of Ed and the kindness shown to all of us by the Amedisys Hospice of Sweetwater Tennessee.
Ed is survived by his wife Claire, children Mary (Charlie), Phil (Lynn), Pete (Pam), Ann (Tom), Margaret (Rob), Sarah (Jason), Grandchildren Jeremy Redlich, Samantha Redlich, Aris Henderson, Jamie Ladd (Kim), Jessica Walsh (Lou), Brianna Muenkel (Rob 2), Daniel Muenkel (Meaghan), Gabby Ghimire (Saugat), Zach Formica (Jenika) and Great-Grandchildren: Aubrey, Tianah, Adrianna, Colten, Boden.
Ed is predeceased by his parents Alfred and Rosa Pennisi, his brothers Alfred, Joseph and Mike, and his grandchildren Alex and Luke.
Family and friends are invited to visit with Ed's family on May 7th. Visitation and a Catholic Mass will both be held at St. Patrick's Church, 24 N. Washington St, Athens, New York. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 and Mass will begin at 11:00 am. The burial will take place a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the TGM American Legion Post 187, 94 2nd Street, Athens New York.