Edward Newland

Edward NewlandLANSINGBURGH - Edward "Big Ed" Newland, 88, formally of Lansingburgh died peacefully on February 23, 2018 in his home at the Beechwood Retirement Community, Troy, N.Y. He was pre- deceased by his wife Ann Patricia (Pat) Newland.A graduate of LaSalle Institute in Troy, Ed was a proud veteran of the United States Navy.Following his military service, and while supporting a growing family, he graduated from Siena College. After graduation, he had a long career in corporate sales and real estate. Throughout most of his life, Ed was a daily communicant at St. Augustines' Parish in Lansingburgh, where he supported their school and many fundraising efforts. As a key worker at their annual bazaar, Ed was famous for his sausage-pepper torpedoes and fried dough."Big Ed" was larger than life and reveled in the long relationship with "Patsy, his wife of 59 years". Together, they created a home that was known for its' welcoming, open door policy with extended family and friends frequently dropping in for conversation, cocktails, or a splash in their pool. Pat and Ed also spent many happy days welcoming people to their homes in Fort Myers, Fla. and Cape Cod, Mass.During the last years of his life, Ed was able to stay at his Beechwood home and enjoy the high level of independence he so strongly desired. This was made possible by his personal, humble hardiness and the wonderful care he received from a team of devoted "nurses". Ed's survivors include his children: Dr. Mary Jo LaPosta-Purcell (J.Michael), of Albany, N.Y., G. Daniel Newland of Piedmont, Calif., Maggie Conroy (Shawn) of Basking Ridge, N.J., and Kate Morgan (Kevin) of Latham, N.Y.Ed found great joy in hearing about his10 grandchildren and basked in their accomplishments. His beliefs and values strongly influenced the lives of: Andrew LaPosta and Emily LaPosta (Lopez); Edward and Brendan Newland; Erin, Keegan, and Kara Conroy, as well as William, Connor, and Claire Morgan. Ed also lived to celebrate the arrival of two great-grandchildren, Evita Rose Lopez and Bodie Gus Newland. Ed's furry "grand-dogs" also brightened his life. He was regularly visited by Gunner, but he was particularly happy when Jack made dog visits from New Jersey during Ed's final days.Although a Master Gardener, it was Ed's request that no flowers be sent, rather that monetary donations be made to Books for the Troops c/o Ellen Keegan, 152 Oak Brook Common, Clifton Park, NY 12065, an organization to which Ed was an avid contributor. Throughout his retirement, he spent many hours soliciting, restoring, and mailing paperback books to military personnel. Ed's efforts resulted in over ten thousand books being distributed to US troops, serving our country throughout the world. This work was among his proudest accomplishments.There will be no calling hours, as Ed donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College. However, a Eucharistic Service of Remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in the Simmons Chapel at the Beechwood Retirement Center, 2218 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY. All friends are invited to attend the service and luncheon to follow.