Obituary of Edward F. Fancher

Edward F. Fancher passed away May 24th after a heroic and inspiring battle with cancer. Ed was born July 17th 1965 to Lavern and Judy Fancher of Barre and attended Albion Central School where he graduated with honors in the class of 1983. Following graduation, Ed entered the United States Marine Corps and served four years as a member of the Marine One Presidential Helicopter Squadron during the Reagan administration. After returning to the Albion area, he enrolled in SUNY Brockport and graduated with degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics. Ed began his career at Community Action as Fiscal Director prior to becoming the Executive Director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee in 2005. For 32 years, Ed served with passion and dedication earning the respect and admiration of all the administrative staff and employees of the agency. He was a calming and caring presence working with clients and contractors alike. Ed exemplified a life of service above self. He served as treasurer of the Albion Rotary Club, the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, and The Iroquois Trail Boy Scouts of America. He previously served on the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and Medina Savings and Loan boards of directors. Showing the personification of the saying, “…you can always give your time,” Ed was also a volunteer for Hospice of Orleans and Holy Family Parish. Ed will be remembered as a selfless giver of his time and talents. He could fix anything and frequently was called upon by family and friends for help. Ed loved singing in the choir at Holy Family Parish, camping, racquetball, golf, rock music, motorcycle riding, and tractor rides with his grandsons. As a sports enthusiast, he was an avid New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan. Ed brought humor, fun and sarcastic wit to all events and in the loving, profound and innocent words of his grandson, “Papa makes the sun shine brighter!” Edward is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Christine, his three children, who were the joy of his life; Justine (Jason) Arpag, Kyle Fancher (Lauren Mattelliano), and Janelle Fancher (Miles Walton). Ed was the proud Papa of his adored grandsons; Greyson, Harrison, and Carson. Also surviving are his siblings; Sandra Bastedo (Joe Reasinger), Susan Fancher (Mark Engebretson), Gail (Kevin) Streicher, and William (Kelly) Fancher. In addition, Ed is survived by his in-laws; Walter and Gina Boothby, sister-in-law and brother- in-law Terra and Rick Blount as well as many cherished family members and friends. Edward was predeceased by his parents; Lavern and Judy Fancher. Funeral Services will be held privately due to Public Health Guidelines for public gatherings as a result of COVID-19. Please use this link to view Ed’s service live on Friday, May 29th, https://livestream.com/accounts/13498042. The video of his service will also be posted on the Mitchell Family Funeral Homes YouTube page with this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-gaqo7NYUus. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at a later date when social gathering restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, 409 E. State St., Albion, NY, 14411, or Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY, 14411, or Holy Family Parish, 106 S. Main St., Albion, NY, 14411, or the Albion Alumni Foundation, P.O. Box 345, Albion, NY, 14411. Ed’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion. To share a special memory of Ed, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com