Edward Preusser

Edward F. Preusser a lifelong resident of Garrison NY, passed away peacefully at home on July

17th after a long illness. He was born on May 17th 1939 the only child of Agnes (Donohoe) and

Richard T. Preusser.

Upon graduation from Haldane High School he attended business school and became a licensed

real estate salesman working for the family firm which was started by his grandfather John P.

Donohoe in the late 1890’s. The firm originally known as John P. Donohoe and Son is one of the

oldest and continually operating family run real estate offices in the Hudson Valley and is

currently known as Agnes D. Preussser Inc. Real Estate located at 35 Garrison Landing

(originally owned and operated as a hotel by John P. Donohoe) and is carried on by his wife,

Nora and their sons, Edward and John, (Fourth generation real estate agents).

In the early 1960’s Ed joined the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged with the

rank of 1st Lieutenant. While he worked on building up his hours as a private pilot, a lifelong

career in aviation would follow, attaining the rank of Captain which spanned over 40 years until

his retirement. Throughout his flying career he would travel worldwide attaining 16 different

type ratings. Ed’s early years began with Zantop Air Cargo and moved onto Cluett Peabody,

General Foods, Union Pacific and retired with Union Carbide (Dow). Ed was an admired and

respected pilot by his peers and passengers and was jokingly known as “Captain Comfort” as he

was known for his smooth landings.

Ed was also an avid golfer and the youngest Club Champion at the age of sixteen at the

Highlands Country Club in his hometown of Garrison. He would go on to win the championship

there many more times. Ed was also an early member of the “Herd,” a group of local gentlemen

that played at their home course The Garrison Golf Club. Ed was known for his smooth golf

swing. He shared his love of golf with his younger son John who would go onto a career in golf

management at the Nantucket Golf Club.

He and his wife Nora, (Nelson) spent many winters in Naples, Florida where he was avid golfer

and member at The Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club for over 20 years. Ed and his golfing

friends were known as “The Happy Group” which pretty much sums it up.

Another love of his was restoring, maintaining and driving vintage European sports cars as a

hobby he shared this love with his eldest son Ed. Throughout the years Ed and his son enjoyed

racing their 1956 Austin-Healey 100 Le Mans at Lime Rock Park and various other tracks in the

Northeast.

Ed enjoyed working on their family home in Garrison and was an accomplished woodworker.

Much of the renovations of their home in Garrison are a result of his skill. He also loved to

garden and was one of the first male members of The Philipstown Garden Club.

In later years some of his favorite times were spent with his grand-daughters by his side reading

books, telling stories and sharing his life experiences with them. He was a man who enjoyed his

family and lived his life to the fullest, a man of many talents who loved his home, he was a “man

for all seasons” he will be missed by those he knew and loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Nora (Nelson) Preusser, his eldest son, Edward

Nelson Preusser, his wife Kelly (Guinan), their two daughters Aurora and Olivia all of Garrison,

younger son, John Donohoe Preusser and his wife Jody (Walmsley) of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

As per his wishes, services will be private, but those wishing to remember him may make a

donation to St. Judes Childrens Hospital or The Wounded Warrior Project.

Funeral Arrangements were under the direction of Clinton Funeral Home- Cold Spring