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FISHKILL - Edward F. Husted, 87, a lifelong Fishkill resident, and also of Hutchinson Island, FL, died on August 18, 2018 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born in Hughsonville, NY on May 28, 1931, he was the son of Edward and Lena (Pietropolo) Husted. Ed proudly served our country in the US Army and received his Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Potsdam, with a piano major from the Crane School of Music, and his Master’s Degree from Western Connecticut State University.
On July 5, 1958 at St. Joachim’s Church, Ed married Ann (Vassalo) who predeceased him on February 20, 2010.

Ed was a Music Teacher with the Arlington School District for thirty years, retiring in 1987. He continued to study piano, music, and jazz improvisation and performed throughout his life.

Ed was a talented professional pianist, starting his career at the young age of twelve. Ed performed extensively at country clubs, night clubs, restaurants and private parties throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, and South Florida. Among his notable engagements were his solo performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and as an accompanist for Ethel Merman's performance with the Saratoga Pops Orchestra. Ed loved Dutchess County, and often lent his talent to performances at nursing homes and the Dyson Cancer Center.

Ed’s love of George Gershwin’s work resulted in “An Evening of Rhapsody” recording. This, along with other recordings, memorialize his exceptional gift of music, cherished by many.

A gifted athlete, sports also played an important role in his life. The end of Ed’s sophomore year at Potsdam marked the beginning of his professional baseball career. Ed recently reminisced about being Al Todd’s first recruit! He joined the Chicago Cubs Minor League affiliate team, the Janesville Cubs, in 1952, and played in the minors for two years. He returned to Potsdam during the offseason to finish his musical education, become Potsdam’s Assistant Baseball Coach, and was inducted into the 1985 Potsdam University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ed was a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill, and was a member of the Elks Club in Beacon. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Dutchess Golf and Country Club.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Husted, Susan Landers and husband Tom, and Stacey Husted and husband David Levitt; his grandchildren, Scott Bierce, Alexandra Landers, Tommy Landers, Grace Landers, Isabelle Landers, Ruby Levitt and Quincy Levitt; his siblings, Jacque Negler, Jim Husted, John Husted, Richard Husted and Mary Townsend; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, Ed was also predeceased by his sister, Barbara White, this past June.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. The funeral service will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to: American Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org); or National Stroke Association (www.stroke.org). Please visit Ed’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.