Geneseo/Livonia: Edward D. Wendelgass, 81 years old, passed from this life on February 8, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Linda Poste Wendelgass, whom he married in 2016.
He is also survived by (family information provided by his children); an older sister, one daughter, two sons & their wives, three grandchildren, two nephews, and many great nieces & nephews.
He is also survived by many friends from all stages of his life, from childhood on.
During Ed’s life he did many things. He was a mechanic – airplane and heavy machinery. He drove tractor-trailer, both long and short haul. He did moving jobs. He did electrical and plumbing work. He was a Deputy Sheriff for about 10 years with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. He was a hard worker. He was a volunteer EMT and volunteer Fireman throughout his life. This is only a partial list of what he did. Ed had boundless energy, a sharp mind, and was a great problem solver!
Ed served honorably in two branches of the military – Army and Navy. He joined the Navy at age 17. He He served in the Mediterranean and stateside. He was on the USS Saratoga CVA-60 during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
He loved animals especially dachshunds and horses. He had a rescue race horse, Stoney, that he loved very much. He loved preparing and eating good food, and hosting cookouts. He liked people. He could be very funny. He was compassionate, extremely loyal to his friends, and loved his family.
At his request there will be no prior calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are asked to donate to SuzieQ Dog ResQ, PO Box 236, Conesus, NY 14435.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY on Saturday, February 15th, at 11:30am.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held by his children at the Lakeville Family Restaurant, 5858 Big Tree Road, Lakeville, NY at 2:00 pm, following his funeral mass.
Interment, with military honors, will be held privately at the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Ed was a member of the American Legion Harrison-Lee Post 283 for 11 years. He will be missed. Our sympathy to all his family.
Regards,
Cynthia Nelson
Commander, Post 283
Ed did handyman work for both my Mother and I. He was always fair, and the job done right. Seems I always recall us having good conversations, while doing so. RIP Ed and prayers to your family.
God Bless you Ed I have known you a lot of years. I will miss you my friend. We have done a lot together. God bless you Linda and family. Rest in peace. I’ll see you again one day.
Our best memory of Ed was when we had a sudden need to relocate to MD and needed help to move. Ed stepped right up and offered to help us load the trucks with all our belongings. He and his team loaded several trucks for us and made the move easy. We will always be grateful for his generous spirit!
Ed and Cindy Johnson were our friends. He loved to eat. You would find him at the Lakeville Family Diner or Wanda’s Restaurant (aka Shelby’s) in Livonia. He drove a car carrier for Mike West. He had so many toys. He loved his dogs. He was always fun to talk to. RIP
Ed was a wonderful friend that I had since I was a kid. He was my driver for two decades hauling old cars and tractors both to and from home. About ten years ago I sent him to California to retrieve a rare Franklin. It took him 12 days because he picked up and dropped off cars across the whole US from upper Michigan to Texas. I called him every day and he would shut the phone off. In closing he was a VERY good,honest, loyal and caring friend. I will miss him.
Sorry to hear this. Years ago I worked with Ed. Always fun to be around. My Condolences to the Wendelgass family.
Dear Linda ,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at Ed’s passing. You have been a compassionate and loving wife and caregiver to Ed , especially these last years as he faced his health challenges. We will keep you in our prayers asking for peace and comfort for you and all the family.
God Bless you!
Mary Jo and David Dussault
Ed was a liv co deputy sheriff back in the day. Remember him well. Great man. Prayers for the family, rip eddie
I remember Ed worked for a couple years or so at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. He would ride with me from time to time and work the Fair details. He was a good man but I lost contact with him over the past years. Sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers to Linda, and our mom (Ed’s sister) Mildred “Sue” Ezrow, all of our family at the loss of Uncle Ed. Our loving memories of the times we spent together will always be with us. Rest in peace Uncle Ed, we will miss you!
Our Love Always,
David and Wendy McMahon & Family
Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. We grew up together in East Chili and were friends even before grammar school. We have been friends through the years. We will miss him. Our sympathy to all his family.