In Memoriam

Edward Gozigian
1931-2024

COOPERSTOWN—Edward Gozigian, of Cooperstown, New York, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024 with his beloved wife by his side. He was born in Syracuse, New York on November 9, 1931, the son of Katchperooni and Shooshanig Gozigian.

Edward attended Syracuse University undergraduate school, where he was a letterman on the diving team. After graduating in 1954, he joined the United States Army and, as luck would have it, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. He enjoyed the array of diving board options on the barracks and weekend passes body surfing at Waikiki.

After being honorably discharged, he returned to Syracuse and attended Syracuse University School of Law. Upon graduating in 1959, he found his first true love: Cooperstown, New York. Shortly thereafter, he was sanguine to meet the love of his life, Diana Gozigian (nee Griffith). Married for 60 years, they had three children, Gwen Gozigian (David), Glynis Gozigian (John) and Garo Gozigian (Kathleen).

In addition to his three children, he is survived by his older brother, George Gozigian, grandchildren Reid Snyder (Emily), Quinn Snyder, Pierce Snyder, Graham Gozigian, Ellie Gozigian, Caroline Gozigian, Jane Verhoest (Ryan), and great-grandchildren Liam Snyder and Elizabeth Snyder.

Edward was the epitome of a family man. Nothing brought more joy to Edward than being surrounded by his issue. He was a proud fixture at every sporting event, graduation and meaningful occasion in which his children and grandchildren participated.

As was his wont (WONT) at family gatherings, he would say his cup runneth over.

Behind his family, his second passion was law. After several years working as an associate, Edward was ecstatic to be made a partner at Van Horne, Feury & Gozigian, which eventually became Gozigian, Washburn & Clinton. He cherished the practice of law, trying cases, which he did until 89, and the camaraderie of fellow lawyers. Most important to him was his clients. He truly cared about them and worked tirelessly to achieve superior results on their behalf. His greatest professional honor was being nominated to, and admitted into, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the most exclusive and prestigious national trial lawyer organization of which one can be a member.

Those who knew Edward, no doubt were on the receiving end of his political views. He thoroughly enjoyed following and debating politics. His highlight was arranging for Ruth Bader Ginsburg to speak to the Otsego County Bar Association at the Cooperstown Country Club in 2011.

He pridefully boasted about being the longest running board member at New York Central Mutual Insurance Company, having served nearly 50 years. He also was a board member of The Scriven Foundation for 48 years.

Edward was not one to be idle, unless he was reading “The New York Times,” which he did daily. He was an avid skier, golfer, tennis and squash player. He last skied at 89, played tennis until 91 and squash into his late 80s. He is arguably, albeit unofficially, the most prolific swimmer in the history of Otsego Lake (surpassing Wally Stokes). He would typically go for his first swim in early May and swim daily into October. It would not be uncommon on a hot, muggy summer day for him to leave his office during his lunch break and go for a quick dip and return to work.

His family can unequivocally say that our cup runneth over having Edward as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be sorely missed, but the dignity, honesty, exuberance and caring in which he lived his life will not be forgotten.

Please join his family for a celebration of his life at The Otesaga Hotel on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 3-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helios Care in honor of the wonderful people who made his last days comfortable or Susquehanna SPCA, from which he got his buddy, AJ.