Obituary of Edwin Copley Thayer

Edwin Copley Thayer, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, on November 1, 2011, at the age of 87. He will be greatly missed by the family he adored and his many friends. Growing up in Worcester, MA, Edwin was the oldest child of Paul E. and Virginia S. Thayer. He was captain of the Worcester High School of Commerce track team, and attended the University of New Hampshire upon graduation. At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the Army and spent the next four years in the Pacific, stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. Edwin returned to Worcester after the War and began a career in the food service industry, eventually becoming the Executive Chef at prominent hotels and restaurants in Worcester and later in Syracuse where he relocated in 1960. After retiring in 1991, Edwin enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in York Beach, Maine, attending events with friends from St. Mathew's Episcopal Church in Liverpool, and watching all Boston sports teams, particularly the Red Sox. Edwin was a member of the American Legion and former member of the Food Service Executives Association. Edwin is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Helen Powers Thayer; son, John; daughter, Paula (Doug) Dodd; grandchildren, Jeremy (Colleen) Reed and Lisa Dodd; and great-grandchildren, Cole and Julia Reed. He is also survived by his sisters, Grace (Harry) Taylor of Canterbury, NH and Harriet Thayer of Worcester, MA; brothers, Stephen Thayer of Albany, NY, Clifton (Dorothy) Thayer of Marshfield, MA, and Walter Thayer of Atlantic Beach, FL; several nieces and nephews, including very close nieces Susan Thayer and Janet Thayer Doynow of Guilderland, NY. Edwin is predeceased by his brother Paul (Barbara) Thayer of Warren, MA. The family expresses its deepest gratitude to the wonderful staffs at Van Duyn Home & Hospital and the VA, and to the congregation of St. Matthews. A memorial service, with reception following, will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., in St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 900 Vine Street, Liverpool, New York, 13088. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew's.