Edward C. Gouger

Boonville - Edward C. Gouger, 81, passed away on November8, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife at Wynn Hospital, Utica.
He was born in Utica on April 28, 1942 a son of Edmund and Elizabeth Schoonmaker Gouger.

He grew up in Forestport and graduated from Forestport High School. Ed went to Virginia Beach, where he would build back infrastructure systems after storms.   He also worked in North Carolina building state highways, and Virginia building golf courses.  Locally he was employed at Penczek Construction, and Creekside Builders.   Ed had a career with Oneida County D.P.W. on road construction from 1965 until retiring in1994. For a few years Ed worked at the Town of Boonville Highway Department as well as Adirondack Central School as a cleaner. He was united in marriage with Jane Sweeney Pfendler in 2011. Jane was the love of his life; he loved her very much and was his angel.

He was a scout master for Troop 13 in Boonville, and then Troop 36 in Forestport.  He was a member of Forestport and Boonville Fire Co. with over 50 years of membership between both departments, serving as president for Forestport Fire Department and captain of Fire Police for Boonville Fire Department. He was a member of Boonville Elks for over 27 years. He enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting and fishing and enjoyed history and loved his cat, Bootsie. Ed enjoyed music and played in several area bands and establishments throughout the area including Mill Creek Boys, Williamsons North country Boys, Country is, with Alex Stempian and the Rhythm Riders with Kenny Youngs. Ed established Hobo Band and played at Sunset Nursing Home for 16 years as well as the E-Z String Band, playing at many area churches. A highlight of his life was singing in Nashville Tennessee.  

Surviving are his loving wife, Jane; stepchildren, Donna and Chris Bourgeois, and Vicky and Brian Karpinski; 2 step grandchildren; 3great step grandchildren; a son Jim Gouger; two daughters, Wendi and Chris LeBarge and Robyn and Alex Garcia and 6 grandchildren.  He was predeceased by a sister, Donna Bowman, and two stepsons. 

Ed was very proud of his stepchildren who helped to take care of him, he was blessed. The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Nursing and Rehab. for all the loving care shown to Ed. You are all special people.

A funeral will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 3p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St, Boonville. Calling hours will be from1-3 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Boonville Fire Co, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, N.Y. 13309. For an online message of sympathy please go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com.Donations of food may be brought to Boonville Elks after 12 p.m. on Sunday.