Edward John Zaluski

Edward J Zaluski, 97, of Cicero, originally born in Syracuse, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2022, at Sunnyside Nursing Care facility in East Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.

He retired from Crouse Hinds/Eaton Corp after 44 years of dedicated service and lived on Oneida Lake for the past 35 years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Ed was very proud of his military service during World War II, as a top turret gunner and lead mechanic on a B 24 Bomber. He participated in 27 combat missions in the Pacific theater and was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaves. His missions included flights against Iwo Jima, Shanghai, China and the Japanese Islands. At 18, he was the youngest member the 11 Bomb Group, 98th Bomb Squadron. After the war, he joined the Air National Guard/ 138 Fighter Group which became the 174th Jet Fighter Group at the Hancock Military base.

He was an active member of local veterans’ organizations, the VFW Post 7290 in North Syracuse, and the American Legion Post 787 in Cicero. He visited local schools to educate the youth of today, on his and other veterans experiences in the war. He was honored in 2014 as a Co-Grand Marshall of the CNY Veterans parade at the Fairgrounds.

He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Betty and son, Michael. He is survived by his daughter Diane (Tom) Donovan and a granddaughter Kirsi.

The family expresses deep appreciation to Team Blue at the VA, Brookdale Staff at Taunton and Manlius, and Sunnyside Nursing Care staff for the excellent care Ed received. Dawn at Sunnyside has a special place in our hearts for her friendship to our dad. Thank you to all his care givers, we will never forget you.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 10am to noon, at Gang Memorial Chapel with a prayer service to follow. Military honors will be held at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday August 30th at 11:am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following organizations in which Ed was a member: Oneida Lake Association, Po Box 3536, Syracuse, NY 13220 or The National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130.

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