Edwin Granbacka

Edwin Granbacka, 76, of Cobleskill, NY, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 with his beloved wife by his side following a brief illness.

Ed was born on July 11, 1941 in Baldwin, NY, to August and Catherine Granbacka. He graduated from Duanesburg High School in Delanson, NY, then enlisted in the United State Air Force where he served with the Security Air Police for four years. After discharge, Ed was employed as a security guard at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. In 1968, he became a state trooper with the New York State Police and retired as an investigator from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Troop G in 1988. Following his retirement, Ed opened Grandmax Motors, a used car dealership in Central Bridge, NY, with his friend and state police partner, Mitcheal Maxwell.

Ed was a founding member and past president of the Wild Pigs Motorcycle Club (now Renegade Pigs) in Schoharie County, a motorcycle organization for current and retired law enforcement officers. He was also a life member and past president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #2695 in Cobleskill. Ed belonged to the American Legion Post #57, Esperance Elks #2507, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Police Benevolent Association, the Association of Former New York State Troopers, Capital District Chapter, and he was a former member of the Cobleskill Fire Department.

Ed had a passion for flying and over the years was known to fly his ultralight aircraft, powered parachute, or his hot air balloon around Schoharie County. He also enjoyed traveling to the Adirondacks and spending time with his beloved rescue dog, Ali.

Ed is survived by his wife of 28 years, Judy Granbacka of Cobleskill; daughter, Deborah (Robert) Rice of Wilton; sister, Elaine Pittman of Lutz, FL; stepson, Nicholas Perillo of Edgewater, FL; stepdaughters, Janis Long of Melbourne, FL, and Jill (Gregory) Spadaro of Albany; grandchildren, Chase, Breanna and Hailey; and nieces Catherine Taber of Tiger, GA, and Sandra Marrow of Lutz, FL.

A period of visitation will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 107 Chapel Street, Cobleskill.  The memorial service will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 11:00 A.M.at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church.  Interment with military honors will be at the Cobleskill Rural Cemetery following the memorial service.  After the burial, guests are invited to gather at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2695 on Legion Drive in Cobleskill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, P.O. Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092 and Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care,

297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill