Edward "Ed" Lynde Paparella

Edward "Ed" Lynde Paparella, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025 at the Abraham House in Utica, surrounded by his loving family. 

Ed was born in Utica, New York on July 17, 1940, to the late Anthony and Mary (Alberico) Paparella. He attended Mary Street School and T.R. Proctor High School, graduating in 1958. He then went on to study at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute, where he earned his degree in 1960.

In 1963, Ed married Colleen Eppler, and from that marriage were four children, of whom Ed was very proud and loved with all his heart. On June 27, 1974, Ed married Barbara Edwards Babowicz, and with that union, he became the loving stepfather to seven wonderful children, whom he loved dearly. He took great pride in honoring the role of “Dad” to all eleven of his children, who were blessed beyond measure to call him theirs.

Ed began his banking career at Marine Midland Bank in 1960, a fulfilling career, which lasted until 1992. He then served as Executive Vice President at Homestead Savings and Loan, retiring in 1996. In retirement, Ed became a devoted volunteer, committed to making a difference in the world. Ed was successful in this endeavor and his accomplishments were many; in his final days, he expressed his gratitude for just this. One of Ed’s greatest loves was the work with Rotary International. Ed joined Rotary in 1976 and was Past President of Oriskany-Whitestown Rotary Club, District Governor for Rotary District 7150, Chair of a Polio Plus drive, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and many other Rotary efforts. He also served as Campaign Chair of the United Way, Charter Member of the Good News Foundation, Chair of the local Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Bridge Builders and Chair of the local SCORE chapter.

Ed’s deep faith was central to his life. He was very involved in his churches and served in many different capacities at St. Paul’s in Whitesboro, St. Stephen’s in Oriskany, St. Francis de Sales in Utica, Our Lady of the Rosary in New Hartford, St. Anthony & St. Agnes in East Utica, and Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills. Most recently, he and Barb were active members of St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro, NY.

Ed is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Barbara, his children, Kellie Mehl, Karen (Ted) Elliott, Kimberly (Vinnie) Salerno, Ken (Kim) Paparella, his stepchildren, Gary (Michele) Babowicz, Gayl (Cal) Lyon, Lauren (John) Keating, Lonni (David) Angelhow, Jodi (Michael) Martin, Janis (Bo) Elfving, David (Jerrianne) Babowicz and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Emil (Janet) Paparella, Francis (Annette) Paparella, sisters-in-law, Janet E. Paparella and Phylis Edwards, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. He was preceded in death by his brother John A. Paparella and brother-in-law Robert F. Edwards.

Ed had a serious love for God and humanity, and succeeded in his mission of leaving his corner of the world in a better place. His legacy will live on in those whose lives he touched—his family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all who shared their gratitude with Ed, especially to those who took the time to let him know the profound spiritual and personal impact he had on their lives. Your words meant more than ours could express, and you brought Ed deep peace and joy in his final days. God bless you all.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday, June 17, from 4-7 PM at the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, 1122 Culver Ave, Utica. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 18 at 10 AM from St. Paul’s Church, 16 Park Ave, Whitesboro, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Private interment will take place at Crown Hill Memorial Park, Kirkland.

The family sincerely thanks Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., and the staff of the Abraham House in Utica for their excellent care during Ed’s stay. Your kindness and empathy will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ed’s memory to the Abraham House Inc., 1203 Kemble St., Utica, NY. 13501. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, 1122 Culver Ave, Utica, Stephen Karboski and David Roefaro, directors. 

Ed's funeral service will be livestreamed from the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home Facebook page. Link is here (https://www.facebook.com/scalaroefaro). Please note, the live feed will not begin until Mass begins at 10 AM. You do not need a Facebook account to view the livestream.