Edsel Paul Ristau, 84, of Fairport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026 after battling lung disease for several months. Ed was an honorable, funny and faithful friend who will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary Ristau and his daughter-in-law, Lisa Ristau. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jeanne, his sons Derek of Victor, NY and Matthew (Gloria) of Fayetteville, NC; grandchildren, Ella, Tatum and Boden Ristau and Glorimar (Eli) Cañedo-Carrasquillo, Ricardo and Solimar Carasquillo and six great grandchildren. Ed is also survived by his brother Timothy (Margo) and his sister Phyllis both of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and his sister Sandy (Fred) of Frederick, MD and many nieces and nephews.
Ed was born and raised in Warren, PA along the Allegheny River. Ed graduated from Lycoming College in 1964 where he met his future wife, Jeanne. Soon afterward, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Army Reserves for six years. This spurred a lifelong interest in military history.
Ed’s outgoing, sociable personality served him well in his career of sales and marketing. He used skills learned while working for the Red Cross and upon retirement to organize blood drives at his church. He also managed the Community Food Cupboard in Rochester for 14 years. In addition, Ed was a part-time building manager for the Perinton Community Center for 19 years, where he developed many meaningful relationships that he maintained throughout his life.
As a boy Ed’s favorite sport was baseball and that continued throughout his life. He visited many major league ball parks with his father growing up and when he had his own sons, he became a coach of their teams in Little League Baseball. Ed also loved fishing and enjoyed it from the Allegheny River to camps in Canada and, lastly, to the Finger Lakes. Music was Ed’s third love. His musical talents ranged from playing the trumpet in his high school band to whistling any tune by request. In recent years he resumed playing his trumpet and was an active member of the intergenerational orchestra at his church.
Ed’s family is grateful for the outstanding care and love that he received from the entire staff at FF Thompson Hospital and the thoughtfulness and prayers of devoted friends.
Calling hours will occur on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 4pm to 6pm at Keenan’s Funeral Home, Egypt location. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on July 16, 2026 at 11:00 am at Asbury First Unted Methodist Church located at 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “The Music Ministry” at Asbury First UMC (https://asburyfirst.org/give-outreach/ specifying The Music Ministry in honor of Ed) or to the National WWII Museum (https://www.nationalww2museum.org) in Ed’s memory.
15 responses to “Ristau, Edsel Paul”
Ed was a mentor in every sense of the word. He taught me the skills, values, and integrity required to lead the Community Food Cupboard, and he shaped the director — and person — I became. Over time, he and his wife Jeanne became cherished friends. His passing is a profound loss, and I am deeply heartbroken. His legacy will live on in the work he inspired and the people he lifted up.
In life Edsel was my first cousin and my first friend. I will miss him so much and in so many ways.
My Dad was the greatest role model, family man, and friend a son could hope for. His love and devotion to my Mom Jeanne, and the entire family was manifested in countless ways, through words of encouragement, sound advice, a tireless work ethic and desire to serve others. Most importantly, he was a man of strong faith and family values. These qualities impacted all who knew him. We love and miss you Dad. Rest in peace until we see you again.
Dear Jeanne and family, please know that I share your sadness at this difficult time. Ed was a great and kind man who was gentle and genuine in his caring for others. Bob and I were so grateful to have been friends for forty years in Fairport. Love and peace, Diane Allen.
The Ristau family says thank you to all the incredible friends and hospital staff who were there for us when my Dad was ill in the hospital over the last several months. My Dad really appreciated you taking the time to visit him in the hospital and the phone calls offering your love and support. My Dad was at peace and in good spirits in part because of you caring about him. God Bless you all!
Matthew P. Ristau
Ed was our wonderful neighbor and friend for over forty years. His kindness was always on display doing favors small and large, whether it was bringing garbage cans to the house, providing rides to the airport at all hours, or snow blowing 18” of snow off the driveway as recently as this past February.
Ed had a wicked sense of humor and was a man of many talents. He was an avid reader of U.S. military history. A master fisherman. A trumpet player and a phenomenal whistler.
One of my favorite memories is the birthday trumpet serenade Ed gave me during the Covid pandemic which was performed out of his den window. The program included Happy Birthday, The Theme from the Godfather, followed by Taps. After the final note was played, Ed shut the window. It was a treat for the entire neighborhood during a difficult time.
I will miss him tremendously.
Ed was a great person and dedicated volunteer to the Red Cross. He will be greatly missed by everyone
My friendship with Ed spanned more than 56 years. We first met when we and our wives moved into the same apartment building in Fairport. Over the years, our families shared many memories that I will always treasure. Ed was sincere, caring and dependable. When my wife passed away several years ago and later when I faced some serious health issues of my own, Ed frequently called to check on me, making sure I was doing alright. Those calls reflected the kindness and concern that were simply part of who he was. His friendship was a gift and I will always be grateful for the many years we shared.
Ed was my dear cousin and I will miss his humor and many questions. Ed and Jeanne were so devoted to each other and it showed! He will be forever remembered as a most special friend in our family. Love to Jeanne, Derek and Matt!
Please accept my deepest condolences Jeanne and family. Ed and Jeanne took us under their wing when we joined Asbury. They made us feel so welcome. Ed became a friend as we played trumpet together at Asbury and met for a few lunch occasions. He was a GOOD man. A standup fellow from a generation that lived their faith, values and convictions.
Rest in peace Ed.
Ed was a dear man who worked very hard at all he did. I was so privileged to have him be a part of the Asbury Orchestra. I will miss his smile and dependability!
I had the pleasure of working with Ed at Bob Hastings Olds. A very happy man with a deep laugh. You are right Jennifer Ristau, he did ask many questions! Lol Fly high Ed with the angels! RIP.
Jeanne, I am so sorry to learn of your (and family’s) loss. I considered Ed a good friend, even though we did not see each other that much in recent years. One could phone and start a conversation at any time, and pick up again like you’d spoken just yesterday. Always interested, and caring. I enjoyed working with him, enjoyed the moments on the water with you, and meals, too. God bless.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Edsel’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
Ed and I became great friends while growing
in and near Warren, PA. I think our friendship began when we both played in our junior high band . There were also several other male classmates with whom Ed and I both had lasting friendships. I was Best Man in Jeanne and Ed’s wedding.
My wife, Shaan, and I are deeply saddened by Ed’s passing. He will be missed. Our Love to Jeanne and their extended family.