HADLEY | Edward J. Litwa Sr., 68, of Hadley, slipped away quietly at his home to be with his Lord. His wife was by his side.

Born November 30, 1946, in Jamaica, Queens, he was the son of the late John J. Litwa and Rose (Giannino) Litwa. After graduating from high school in Smithtown, New York, Ed entered the U.S. Navy. He was a proud Vietnam veteran and sailed the world. He moved to Hadley in 1969 to help his parents run the Hadley House, and he also worked as a union electrician. In February of 1970, he met his beloved wife Marilee Watermann and they were married in St. Mary's Church, Lake Luzerne, on Sept. 26, 1970. They were blessed with two children, Edward Jr. and Jennifer Jean.

After beginning his police career in 1971, Ed went to college and earned an AAS from ACC and a BS from Skidmore College. He was well known in the Lake George area as he worked through the ranks of the now defunct Lake George Police Department, attaining the rank of chief. Ed also worked at the former Queensbury Police Department. When the LGPD was abolished in 1988, Ed was absorbed into the Warren County Sheriff's Office, where he once again worked his way up to the Investigations Division. He retired from police work in 2005 but failed miserably at retirement, so he went back to work for District Attorney Kate Hogan as an investigator. Two years ago, he achieved another dream when he and Eddie purchased Adaptive Equipment Enterprises. They spent the last two years working side by side.

Ed was a cop's cop with an infectious smile and he mentored countless young men who have gone on to make him proud.

He was a member of Elks Lodge no. 81 and American Legion Post 374. A former Mason, he also served as vice president of the former Adirondack Police Conference.

Ed was an accomplished fly fisherman and he often drew crowds when he was fishing. He was also a master craftsman who could turn a bowl on a lathe or build a cabinet. He learned to cut mats to help his wife with her studio (that was after he built the studio for her).

Since its inception, Ed's favorite charity has been Shop with a Cop, and he couldn't wait to participate each year.

In addition to his parents, several family members have predeceased him. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of almost 45 years; his son and daughter; son-in-law Joel Holden; the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Xander and Rylee Holden; and extended family.

Calling hours will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 543 Glen St., Glens Falls. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Wagner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chief Ed Litwa Scholarship Fund for KINDNESS at Lake George Central School.