Ed Wilson, whose friendly voice greeted thousands of callers looking for everything from medical assistance to building hours,
died Dec. 12 at the age of 75.
For more than a dozen years, Wilson's friendly style and good humor made him a perfect fit as the operator of Campus Safety's
control center. He seemed to thrive on chaos, maintaining an even temper amid the most trying of circumstances. “He never missed
a beat,” said a colleague.
“He loved that job,” recalled his wife, Eleanor. “He never wanted to quit.”
Wilson lived on Seward Place, just two doors from the new satellite Campus Safety office. During his last days, he enjoyed
visits from his fellow officers who called him the “Mayor of Seward Place” for his vigilance over constructions projects in
the neighborhood. “I'm not sure I can credit him with solving any crimes, but he always knew what was going on down there,”
said Sgt. Robert Tomeck, who worked closely with Wilson since they both joined Union in 1987.
Funeral services were Dec. 14, the day of the season's first major snowstorm. “He would have been so grateful to see all the
Union people who came out in that weather,” said Mrs. Wilson.
A longtime Schenectady resident, Wilson worked as an inspector at General Electric's steam turbine department for 36 years,
retiring in 1985.
He served in the Army's First Infantry Division in World War II, and was a life member of VFW Post 9132. He was a former member
of the Knights of Columbus, Council 201.
Besides his wife, survivors include a daughter, Kathleen Katz of Schenectady; two sisters; and two brothers.
Contributions may be made to the Ellis Hospital Foundation, 1101 Nott St., Schenectady, NY 12308.