Edwin L Slusarczyk, 84, of Remsen passed away on Friday December 29, 2006, at the Presbyterian Home for Central New York, New Hartford.
He was born in Prospect, NY a son of the late Louis and Mary (Gondak) Slusarczyk. On May 15, 1947 he married Bernice “Bunny” Boardman, Mrs. Slusarczyk passed away on June 16, 1990.
Ed was the founder of Ag Radio Network, and was a commercial farm broadcaster for more then 68 years. He grew up on a dairy farm near Prospect, NY loving radio pretending he was a radio announcer when he was only four. In 1938 Ed began reporting news of the Oneida and Lewis County FFA chapters on WIBX, in Utica.
When World War II started Ed built machine guns until enlisting in the Army in 1942. He survived the Normandy invasion in 1944, but was severely wounded in the battle of St. Lo. While recovering in the army hospital in West Virginia a doctor suggested broadcasting as therapy. So, even while bedridden , he did a daily 30-minute program of farm news and sports on Armed Forces station WNDB. After serving his country Ed enrolled at Cornell University, traveling with the teams and reporting sports on WHCU in Ithaca, NY. He worked summers as 4-H extension agent in Oneida County and before earning his degree in Agricultural Economics in 1949, he managed the student radio station.
Ed began his commercial farm radio career on WIBX, Utica, NY in 1949. He left in 1956 to build and manage WREM, Remsen, NY. Ten years later Ed and his wife Bunny sold the station and he returned to WIBX.
The Slusarczyk family formed Ag Radio Network in 1976, starting with 11 stations . Ed reached his goal of “providing a voice for farmers in the Northeast” In 2002 a 144 stations were affiliated with Ag Radio Network, covering the Northeast from Maryland to Maine.
Concern for his ancestral homeland led Ed to make more then 26 trips to Poland. He spearheaded relief efforts , collecting thousands of dollars to help farmers move from collective farms to free markets. A world traveler, Ed promoted farm broadcasting in East Africa , contributed equipment, and helped establish a network in Uganda.
Ed Slusarczyk was a NAFB regional vice president four times and chaired many committees. His awards and recognitions cover walls in more then one room. They include 1985 Farm Broadcaster of the Year, Outstanding Cornell Alumnus in 1998, “Champion of Democracy” awarded by the polish Government in 1990, Outstanding American Award - Who’s Who -1995, NY Agricultural Society Distinguished Service to Agriculture Citation in 2000, NAFB Hall of Fame, 2002,Oneida County New York Historical Society Living Legend in 2003, National Association of Farm Broadcasting Longest Broadcasting Member in 2006, plus over 100 other award and citations.
He also is a member of the VFW Memorial Post #982 in Remsen and was a 51 year member of the American Legion, George Glenn Hughes Post #890 in Remsen.
He is survived by his children Heather Owens and her husband Brian of Barneveld, Holly Cassidy and her husband Tom of Barneveld. Berwin Slusarczyk and his wife Jo Stutz of Hot Springs AR. And Laurence Slusarczyk of Remsen. His grandchildren Tim Slusarczyk and Kristin Smith of Remsen, and Lauren Anne Owens of Barneveld. He is also survived by a sister Wanda Richter of Remsen and two nieces and a nephew Sandi Tomasello and Linda Findlay, and Bob Richter.
The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Soultz and Dr. Brehaut , and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center ICU and 4th floor PCU units and the 3rd floor nurses and staff, and the Presbyterian Home for Central New York for the wonderful care complemented by true compassion that was given to Ed and his family during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New York Mills where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated . Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Forty Main St. Whitesboro. American Legion Post #890, will have a service at 7:30 p.m., Monday evening, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Fairchild Cemetery in Remsen.
For those who wish, please consider memorial contributions to, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 2209 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501, or The Edwin L Slusarczyk Scholarship Fund, contributions should be made payable to “NAFB Foundation”, memo Ed Slusarczyk Scholarship Fund, and can be sent to NAFB Office, P.O. Box 500, Platte City, MO 64079. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Messages of Sympathy
Dear Family of Ed Slusarczyk,
I am very sorry for your lost!
I got to this web by looking up the name "Slusarczyk" which is my Mom's maiden name. I was wondering if you have any information on your father's family history. I was wondering if his family was from the GALICJA and near the town of Stalowa Wola (Zarzecze)?
Please in your spare time - let me know - Thank you! Joann
Posted by: Joann | January 18, 2008 08:33 PM
To the entire Slusarzyck family, I just found this site and am so saddened by Ed's passing. I worked with both Ed and Bunny at WTLB in Utica before joining the Air Force and thought of them often throughout my career. I remember Ed as a big teddy bear with an even bigger heart. I always enjoyed talking to him, and I think my Dad was a bit star struck when I told him who I worked with.
I know this is off the subject, but I noticed Joe Cybulski's comments and remember working with him at WTLB, also. I would like to get in touch with Joe if possible and give you permission to release my e-mail address.
Posted by: Cynthia Sobolewski | March 13, 2007 09:29 AM
Holly & Tom, My deepest condolences to you and your family. I was checking my father's messages and noticed a message from you. At first I did not recognize your name and then I came upon your father's obit and remembered that your father was Edwin & yes our fathers did share room 418 @ St E's. I was the daughter from TX with my mom in the hospital. Thank you for the nice message you left and God Bless you and your family during this time.
Joy Cosgrave
Posted by: Anonymous | January 8, 2007 11:25 PM
truly one in a million! a total constuctive citizen, always giving 150%!a fine example it is beter to give than receive
Posted by: bruno piretti | January 8, 2007 10:49 AM
Holly, Tom and all of Ed's family,
A wonderful light in my life was extinguished with Ed's passing. We get so few opportunities to know truly good people and Ed was one of them. I cherish all my moments with Ed over the years and know that he's with us still in our hearts. Holly, I can only imagine how you're feeling - I am also daddy's girl still (mine is now 93) - but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. We never get them long enough, but you do know how loved and respected was.
Hugs to you and Tom,
Vicki Henrickson
Posted by: Vicki Henrickson | January 2, 2007 07:28 PM
Holly, Heather & Larry,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was quite the guy. My thoughts are with you.
God Bless
Posted by: Susan Stillwell | January 2, 2007 06:54 PM
I was so sad to hear of Ed's passing. I worked with Ed for a short period of time in Utica at WTLB and then again with the New York State Senate radio and television operation. To Ed's delight, I provided weekly interviews to his radio network with the chairmen of the Senate Committee on Agriculture during my thirteen years there.
The agriculture community will miss this kind, gentle, knowledgeable advocate for farming. I certainly learned a lot about farming and agriculture because of my friendship with Ed.
Posted by: Joe Cybulski | January 2, 2007 11:15 AM
I am so sorry for your loss and thankful for the opportunity to know Ed. To the crew at Ag Radio Network, I will fondly remember his stories about eating raw bacon and REAL butter and will always consider him a champion of agriculture.
Posted by: Lorrell Walter | January 2, 2007 09:46 AM
Thank you Ed for introducing me to Symeon's restaurant when it was on Oneida Street. Every time I eat there I think of all the trips to MVCC in the light blue VW. Thank you for all the picnics at the Erwin Park in Boonville. Luckily there were a lot of summer birthdays! Every time I drive by the park, which is sometimes 4 or 5 times a day, I think of you and Holly and Heather and Larry, and mostly Bunny's potato salad! My fondest memory will always be a trip to Cape Cod in an RV. No map, mapquest, GPS, just the spirit of adventure. Ed, you made camping out the the A and P parking lot in Buzzard's Bay, MA like being on the ocean. You will always be remembered for you bright and pure imagination. Lorna (Evans) DeSantis
Posted by: Lorna DeSantis | January 1, 2007 12:18 PM
Holly & Tom-
Our thoughts are with you. Obviously, this is a sad time, but we can't think about Ed without smiling. The farm broadcasting business is a better industry because of Ed and his work. We will miss his enthusiasm for life and his passion for our industry. God Bless.
Posted by: Don and Kolleen Wick | January 1, 2007 11:45 AM
Ed was so good to me and the YWCA when I was doing public relations for them. He would let me tape exercises about 4 times a year and then he wouild play them at different times during his programs. He helped keep the YWCA in the public eye and that helped them keep so many programs that benefited people. He was a happy gentleman.
Posted by: Barbara Shuck | January 1, 2007 08:13 AM
Our entire group of Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) will miss him terribly. He was a wonderful source of information, a definite asset to our group, and a wonderful human being. He spent his entire life promoting agriculture and helping farmers make a better living for themselves and their families.
Posted by: Kay Zeosky, President | January 1, 2007 01:53 AM
The members of Fritz's Polka Band wish to express our sympathies to Ed's family for their loss. Ed was a member of the Fritz's Polka Band fan club for many years, was a great friend for many years, and was simply a great person. He will truly be missed, but not forgotten.
Posted by: Fritz Scherz | December 30, 2006 03:14 PM
Holly, Tom and family,
We will greatly miss Ed. I last saw him at the Barn Festival in Remsen- we chatted for a bit and then he was off on "his wheels".
He was always there for the Oneida County Dairy Promotion Committee, as a past chairman and as a resource. One could always count on ED. He was a true "Dairy"man.
Joanie
Posted by: Joan Smith | December 30, 2006 12:14 PM
To the Slusarczyk family. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I had the privilege of knowing Ed for nearly forty years. He was a very intelligent man and an extremely warm and caring person. During my tenure in government I often relied upon him for guidance regarding agricultural issues.
I am sure you miss him very much, but take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with your mother for eternity.
Tony Casale
Cooperstown, NY
Posted by: Anthony J Casale | December 30, 2006 11:24 AM
To all the family, so sorry to hear of Ed's passing.He was a unique man.I became a friend through WIFE.He was a member and didn't mind being with us "WOMEN". His stories were always so interesting to hear. He will be missed by all.God Bless him. Mary & Bert Alger
Posted by: Mary Alger | December 30, 2006 09:03 AM
tim, kirstin, holly and tom, i am so sorry for your loss. he is a very loved, intelligent and respected man. i'm so honored that i knew him. if there is anything i can do, call @ 821-6555. tim and kirstin - i love you both and i will be there tuesday.
Posted by: danielle wright | December 30, 2006 07:59 AM
Dear Berwin, Larry , Heather and Holly, I am so very sorry to hear of my beloved Uncle Eddie's dealth. I will always remember him with fond thoughts and he would always take a situation and seem to make good of it. I will miss my fravorite uncle and friend. I am so sorry as I am unable to come for the services due to the freezing rain there but will attend church here Sat evening and Sun. evening and also have all of Ricks family praying for him and for all of you. My love to you all, with fond memories always, Rick, Sandy and Matthew Tomasello
Posted by: sandy Tomasello | December 29, 2006 09:14 PM