Major Edwin J. Herr Sr. USAF Ret.

Major Edwin William Herr, Sr., USAF Retired, 85, of Rome, died of a broken heart November 23, 2024, after the sudden and unexpected loss of his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan Bye Herr, the month prior. Their life together and love for each other was exceptional. Ed, or Bill, as he was known to family, was born November 7, 1939, the only child of Edwin F. and Elizabeth Herr, who adored him and instilled in him strong values of faith, charity, love and service. He graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA, enlisted in the Air Force and married in 1962.

His wife and three children traveled across the country during his 22-year career as a B52 radar navigator. He was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War with 5,000 hours of flight time and flew 77 combat missions. He loved serving his country and was often seen about town wearing a Vietnam Vet or Air Force hat.

Not only did he serve his country, but also his Catholic Church and community. He was very involved in the Knights of Columbus during his working years. He was a member of the 4th Degree and served as term as Grand Knight, District Deputy and Faithful Navigator.

Ed was involved in numerous local organizations and served on the boards of some like the Military Officers Association, Lake Delta Yacht Club, Griffiss Ski Club, VFW, Lee Legion, Camden Rod and Gun Club and Point Rock Fish and Game Club. Ed was never one to sit around and had many interests and hobbies, especially hunting since he was a teen in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and was an avid reader and enjoyed Clive Cussler novels. He loved trains, collected coins, and was a great soup maker.

Ed was a charitable man, giving his time and money to various causes, Wreaths Across America, Tunnell to Towers, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and many more organizations. He was a wealth of knowledge and know-how, and always saw the positive in life situations.

He leaves behind his three children, Maureen Herr Marks, Joanne Lieske (Brooks) and Edwin W. Herr, Jr. (Christine); four beloved grandchildren, Dustin and Lauren Lieske and Edwin Joseph and Sarah Herr; great-grandson, Baker; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 6th, at 11;00 a.m. at St. Paul's Church. Interment will take place in Arlington Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440., on Thursday, December 5th from 4-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ed's memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and American Cancer Society.

You may view the Obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.