Edward Solomon Ekmalian

West Sand Lake- Edward Solomon Ekmalian, 88 of West Sand Lake, a life- long resident of Rensselaer County, passed into eternal life on Saturday, March 13 after a long illness.

Born and raised in Troy and West Sand Lake, Ed was the son of the late Solomon and Hanamhas (Aprahamian) Ekmalian.

A 1952 graduate of Troy High School, Ed attended Siena College for a year majoring in Business. He was called up for service in 1954, where he was doing his basic training at Camp Pickett, VA and Ft. Sam Houston, TX. He then was sent to Germany and graduated from the Second Armored Division company administrative clerk’s course. After being discharged from active service, Ed came home to West Sand Lake and remained in the Reserves until being discharged in 1961 all while attending to his aged parent’s needs.

Ed was confident in whatever he did in life. He owned and ran an antique store across from The Crooked Lake Inn before going into business with his sister, Aurora at The Colonie Center know as Mademoiselle.  He later became a real estate agent and continued creating the epicurean delicacies of his Armenian Culture for others to enjoy.  

Some of his greatest memories were being cast in the 1981 hit with Jane Fonda and Kris Kristofferson in the movie, “Rollover”. Other joys were playing piano for his church, for Governor Rockefeller at the Mansion or playing piano for friends at Mara Lago will Donald Trump looked on and driving his Rolls Royce through Sand Lake just for the fun. 

Ed was predeceased by his sisters, Virginia Dolab, Elsie Mardigian, and Aurora Herrero but leaves behind his loving nieces, Rachel Altounian, Sandra Mardigian, and Teresa Schillinger and their children, and several cousins and his friend, Matt Thornton. He leaves behind many friends.

Special thanks to the Stratton VA Medical Center Staff and to devoted and loving caregivers at Van Rensselaer Manor B-2.   

Ed will be buried at the family plot in Elmwood Hill Cemetery 51 Belle Avenue Troy on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 1:30pm. All are invited to meet at the cemetery

Contributions may be made in memory of Edward Ekmalian the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. 

May the Lord God Bless you till we meet again… 

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