Saratoga Springs - Edmund "Ted" Toolan died peacefully at Saratoga Hospital on Wednesday, December 20th surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old and a proud citizen of Ireland.

Born on August 12, 1928 in Schenectady, NY, Mr. Toolan was the son of the late James and Gertrude (Graham) Toolan. He moved to Galway in 1963, soon after marrying his beloved wife, the former Audrey Rogers, of Catskill, NY. They were married for 54 happy years.

Mr. Toolan, an Air Force veteran, retired from Federal service in 1984 after 35 years as an employee of the Defense Department where he worked with the Air National Guard in Glenville. He was the Air Operations Superintendent at the time of his retirement.

During his early years in Galway, he was a member of the Galway Men's club, Chairman of the Youth Commission for many years, and a Charter member of the Galway Lions Club, although actively participating with the club for only a few years.

In the early 1970's, he helped form the Religious Education program for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Galway and served as the Director of Religious Education for many years. He held the same role at St. Joseph's church in Broadalbin from 1980 to 1990.

He was the president of the Galway PTA in 1975, and the director of the biggest parade in Galway for our country's bicentennial in 1976.

Ted and Audrey purchased a sea captain's home in Parker Head, Maine in 1969. They spent many wonderful summers enjoying Popham Beach with family and friends. They took four trips to Ireland in their retirement. Mr. Toolan enjoyed photography, genealogy, and studying the Civil War.

His biggest joy was his family and especially his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Audrey, who died on June 12, 2016. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Celia Rasefske (Robert) of Broadalbin, Beth Ann Toolan (Kathryn) of Salem, MA, and son, Michael James (Debbie) of Bend, OR. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Adam, Caitlin and Kelsey Rasefske of Broadalbin, Julian and Ayanna Baptista of Salem, MA, and Abigail and Alexander Toolan of Bend, Oregon. Also surviving are brothers John Toolan of Scotia, NY and Wallace Toolan of Melbourne, FL.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:30 to 11:30am Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12noon at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave. and burial with military honors will follow at 1:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Edmund's name to the Shelters of Saratoga, 14 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com