John S. Edwards

Edwards, John S. NISKAYUNA John S. Edwards, age 90, passed peacefully and naturally at home in Niskayuna on Monday April 11, 2016. Born October 21, 1925, in Oakham Mass., the son of a World War I veteran, he was a career military officer, retiring in 1972 with the rank of Colonel. John was a graduate of Barre High School in Barre, Mass. and earned a B.A. from the University of Nebraska and a masters degree from Boston University. During his distinguished military career, John was the recipient of 40 United States and foreign decorations and awards, including The Legion of Merit, The Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor, and a Purple Heart. He faithfully served his country in World Ward II, The Korean War and The Vietnam War. His service included participation in eleven major battle campaigns, the 1952 Nevada Atomic Tests and a Pentagon posting in Washington, DC. During World War II John was shot down on his 24th mission over Germany and was taken Prisoner of War (POW). He was liberated by General George Patton's 14th Armored Division in May 1945. John's POW experience forged his lasting Faith, love of Family, love of Freedom, and respect for Food (the four "F's" as he would frequently say). To those who knew him, his military service, life experiences, and core values define "Americas Greatest Generation." John's post military career included his role as the executive director for the New York State Interdepartmental Fuel and Energy Committee and director of contingency planning for the New York State Energy Office. He retired from New York State leadership in 1994. Forever active in veterans support activities, John was the first commander of the New York Chapter of Ex-POW's and served as National Commander from 1989-1990. John is the also the past president of the Northeast Chapter of the Korean War Veterans and was the national committee chairman to establish the National POW Museum at Andersonville, Ga. John was also the founder and chapter president of the New York State Military History and Military Heritage Institute in Saratoga. John proudly displayed the New York State license plate "Former Prisoner of War #1" which was issued specifically to him. John loved our military men and women. Survivors include his beloved wife, Helga Edwards and many relatives that loved and adored him deeply. John was the loving father of John S. Edwards Jr. and his wife Jocelyn Edwards of Hopkinton, Mass., and Laura Edwards Bach and her husband Adam Bach of Niskayuna. He was the especially proud "Papa" to Emma Edwards (15), Jurgen Bach (14), Henry Edwards (13), Tristan Bach (11) and Hagan Bach (6). Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Schenectady. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home. John will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC at a later date.