WATERFORD, N.Y., and YORK – Edward G. Clement Sr. died July 9, 2012, at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, Albany, N.Y., after a short illness. Edward was born in the family home in Waterford, N.Y., in November 1915.
He and his brothers and sisters were a tight family unit and worked many odd jobs to keep the family afloat during hard times. His oldest brother Albert kept the family together after the death of their father when Ed was only 3. Edward graduated from St. Anne’s School and Waterford High School. He went on to study at RPI but had to leave in his junior year to serve in the Army during World War II. At RPI he was a founding member of their astronomy club. He attained the rank of first lieutenant while in the service and served in New Jersey, Iceland and Florida. Mr. Clement managed Albany Camera Shop, later the Clement Frame and Art Shop for more than 40 years. He purchased Lewis Frame Shop, Troy, N.Y., and renamed it Clement Frame and Art Shop. The Albany and Troy shops were later consolidated into the Troy, N.Y., location. Ed worked with his sons, Tom, Ray and Bob, as well as his wife, Mildred, until her passing. He continued to be seen at the Troy, N.Y., shop each day until his very recent illness.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mildred E. (Stiles) Clement, in 2004. Edward was the seventh child of Aurore (Belanger) and John B. Clement Sr. He was predeceased by his siblings, Albert E. (Anne Marie), Alice Clement McLaughlin (Steven), Yvonne Clement Vautrin (Archie), John B. Jr. (Jesse), Thomas I. (Elaine), and Jeanne Clement Wallen (Luther). Edward is survived by his older sister, Aurore Clement Walsh (Charles) of Waterford, N.Y.; and his six sons, Edward G. Jr. (Grace) of Prospect, Robert A. of Waterford, N.Y., James R. Sr. (Mary Anne) of Ballston Lake, N.Y., Thomas A. (Judith) of Colonie, N.Y., Raymond J. of Troy, N.Y., and Daniel C. (Celia) of Ithaca, N.Y. Edward is also survived by 13 grandchildren and countless great-grandchildren. Ed’s sons owe an immeasurable amount of gratitude to their brother, Bob, who gave up his residence, freedom and lifestyle in Florida more than 10 years ago to move in with, and take care of, his parents. This allowed them to live out the remainder of their lives with pride and dignity in their own home. Edward was a good and honest businessman and a great father who always tried to do his best. He will be forever missed by all who knew him.
Funeral arrangements are by Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, Clifton Park, N.Y., with a Mass at St. Augustine’s Church, Troy, N.Y., and interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waterford, N.Y. Donations may be made to The National MS Society, New England Chapter, 74 Gray Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. His daughter-in-law, Grace Clement, has multiple sclerosis and is an active volunteer with this organization.