Gerald "Bud" Edwards Jr.

MOHAWK – Gerald “Bud” Edwards, Jr., loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep, due to natural causes, on Sunday, November 17, 2024. He was 50 years old.

Born on January 15, 1974, Gerald is the son of Gerald and Geraldine (Kattato) Edwards. He was raised and educated in Frankfort, graduating with the Frankfort-Schuyler Class of 1992. From there, he went on to attend SUNY Oneonta where he studied science and biology.

Over the years, Bud worked in the human services field, holding positions at RCIL, the ARC and Catholic Charities. In recent years, he worked on stage production for local venues, such as the Rome Capitol Theater, Hamilton College and in Watkins Glen.

Bud was a very creative soul. He was a self-taught musician, and was well known throughout the local music scene as one of the best guitar players. Santa brought him his first guitar when he was 9 years old. He discovered his musical talent and passion for the guitar in high school after saving up enough money from his job at Thurstons to buy a red Fender Strat. Music was such an important part of his life, whether he was playing the local entertainment scene with other musicians (“Blue Stew,” “Rich C & Bud,” “Common Ground,” to name a few) or just jamming at home, either alone, with family, or with friends. He was his biggest critic musically, and would practically need to be begged to play. To match his very skilled guitar playing, he also had a beautiful singing voice. He was the type of musician who could play just about any instrument he sat down to learn, and could play anything by ear.

Besides music, Bud was a talented artist in many other ways: drawing, wood burning, quilting and sewing were just some of his inspired outlets. His handmade creations will be cherished by his loved ones forever.

Bud was friend to many, but he truly valued his family and loved being a part of large family gatherings. His family ties were very strong. He was proud to be the ‘funcle’ to his nieces and nephews. He never missed a chance to share a joke or two with them.

His affinity and capacity for all kinds of trivia was remarkable. Name a subject and he could call up in his mind what seemed like an endless amount of information. He was an avid sports fan and loved cheering for the New York Yankees and the Oakland Raiders.

Throughout his life, Bud has touched the lives of many, many friends and family and he will be sorely missed. He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Geri Edwards of Frankfort; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Nikki and Michael Bick of Frankfort and Sara and Ronald Vivacqua of Cicero; his brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Jessica Edwards of Liverpool; and his beloved nieces and nephews, his godson, Colin Bick, Carter Vivacqua, Corinne Bick, Jackson Vivacqua and Lilah Vivacqua. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends, too numerous to mention. His family wishes to thank his special friends, Billie-Jo and her son, Nate, for all they’ve done for Bud throughout the years.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Harry and Anna Mary Edwards and Nick and Virginia Kattato; his cousins, Brandi Kattato and Sheena Williams; and his beloved canine companion, Milo, whom was by Bud’s side for seventeen years.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Bud on Tuesday afternoon, November 26, 2024, from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000.

Bud’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning, November 27, 2024, at 9:30AM from the chapel of the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Rev. Francis Vivacqua. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort where Bud’s earthly remains will be laid to rest.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Edwards family has entrusted the care of their beloved son and brother to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .