Ed Puritz of Schenevus, New York passed away Saturday morning, March 29 2014, at the age of 94. Cause of death was complications from old age.

He was born on May 15, 1919, to Harry and Sadie Puritz, in Brooklyn New York. In October 1941 he married Cynthia Mintz Puritz, and they had three sons. Oldest son James Puritz resides in Orlando, Florida, and is married to Nootan Puritz. Youngest son Andrew Puritz of Oneonta, New York is married to Dr. Joan Puritz. Edward's middle son, Frederick Puritz, pre-deceased his father in 2002, leaving his spouse Roberta Puritz Hayes of Delray Beach, Florida. Also surviving are Jim's children, Linda and Thomas, daughter-in-law Robin and their children Brooke and Sam; Fred's children Nate, James, Sarah and her husband Geoff Milsom; and Andy's children Rebecca, Jacob, Abigael and Eliza.

Edward served in the United States Army during World War II, having enlisted in January 1941, before the US entered into hostilities. He served until his Honorable Discharge having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service, he became part of an artillery cadre whose duties included traveling to army bases teaching gunnery skills. He also performed duties as a medic.

Edward received his Bachelors degree from the present-day University of Northern Iowa and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Education from Columbia University in New York City. He coached track-and-field, cross country, riflery and other sports for thirty years at Mamaroneck High School in Mamaroneck, New York, and taught physical education as well as high school- level courses in psychology. During the 1950's he held numerous other jobs to augment his family income, until his children were old enough to attend school and his wife Cynthia was able to commence her own career as a teacher. During the summers, Edward for many years was Head Counselor at the Anawana Camp (now Kutcher's Sports Camp) in the Catskills.

During his many active years Ed taught Sunday School, enjoyed gardening, bicycling and hiking, helped his wife Cynthia in her many activities including performance as a concert cellist, and took an active interest in his children and grandchildren. Ed and Cynthia Puritz retired from teaching in 1974 and took up residence in Schenevus. Some years after Cynthia's passing in 1996, he became close with Mildred Levine, the former wife of Gerald Levine, deceased; Ed and Mil resided together in Schenevus for more than ten years, and looked after each other with love, affection and companionship. An avid golfer, reader, poker player and amateur handyman, Ed enjoyed a peaceful retirement. Even after advancing years caused him to slow down and limit his activities, Ed continued to live in his own home until his recent illness required transport last week to MI Bassett hospital in Cooperstown, and transfer from there to the Manor Residential Facility, where his life ended on Saturday. During his last week, Ed enjoyed the constant attendance of his two sons, and visits from all of his grandchildren and many of his friends. He retained his clarity of thought and showed his concern for loved ones right up until the last hours of his life.  Edward had many dear friends who showed their affection and concern for him on many occasions, including but my no means limited to Dinah Rivera of Schenevus, who became almost a member of the family as she cared for Ed and Mil in their later years. He frequently expressed his gratitude for the many kindnesses shown to him by these friends and neighbors, who made it possible for him to continue to reside in his own home, and gave his life security and lively interest.

There will be a time for visitation from Noon to 1 p.m., with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31 2014 at the Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus. A graveside service will be at 3:00 pm at the Temple Beth El cemetery, where Ed will be laid to rest alongside his wife Cynthia and his son Frederick.

In grateful acknowledgment of the deep community support Ed received, his family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the  Schenevus-Maryland Emergency Squad, and to the Otsego County Meals-on-Wheels.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.hellerfuneralhome.com