Obituary of D. Edwin Lyons

DANIEL EDWIN LYONS, "Ed", passed away April 27, 2017 at Wilson Hospital, surrounded by his family. The son of Elenor and Daniel Lyons, Ed grew up between Utica and Binghamton and was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Mary Joyce Lyons in October 2016, their infant daughter Mary Theresa, his brothers Neal, John (Anne) and Francis Lyons, his brothers in law, John Conlon and J. Richard Rogan. He is survived by his children, Martha Lyons of Johnson City, Daniel and Janet Lyons of Worcester, MA, Susan and Joseph Cox of North Kingstown, RI, and Barbara and Kevan Cole of Auburn, CA; grandchildren, Sarah and Ryan Colton, Connor and Patrick Lyons, Brian, Katie and Kevin Cox, Sara and Christopher Cole; great grandchildren, Madelyn and Harrison Colton; his dear sister Eleanor Conlon and sister in law Judith Rogan Thomas, several beloved nieces and nephews. Ed was a graduate of St Paul's School. He worked as US Postal Carrier in Binghamton and Syracuse. He was a Browning Automatic Rifle Operator in the Korean War, serving with the US Army, Second Division 38th Regiment. He earned the Purple Heart for his battle service on May 3, 1951 in Inje-gun, however he was proudest of his Combat Infantry Badge earned by those serving in ground combat against an armed enemy. He was one of the first to keep his leg following a new bypass procedure in a field MASH unit. Finally making it back to the states, he recuperated for many months at Walter Reid Hospital. He worked his way through school under the GI Bill, graduating from Harpur College (SUNY Binghamton) with an economics degree in 1957 and then entered Syracuse Law School, obtaining his JD. He practiced law for over 50 years in Broome County. He served as Judge in both the Villages of Johnson City and Port Dickinson for many years; he also was a NYS Estate Tax Attorney in Binghamton and served as Special Counsel to the NYS Legislature. Ed had a generous heart, quick wit and loving nature. He was a beloved husband, a wonderful father and grandfather and loyal friend. He has enjoyed spending time in the Adirondacks for the last 46 years and instilled that love in his children and grandchildren. He loved a good euchre or pitch game and won acclaim for his high golf scores (the truth of which he hid from his wife and kids for years). Ed will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at Park Avenue Dialysis for all of their care and help over the past eight years, and to his favorite nurse, Katie Russo. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Chenango Street, Hillcrest, Monday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.