Edward L. Powers

Ed Powers passed away on June 2nd at 83 years of age, peacefully, in his home, in his favorite chair.

Ed is predeceased by his father and mother, Raymond and Mable Powers and brother, Theodore “Ted” Powers. He is also predeceased by his long-time beloved companion, Maryann Coleman.

Ed was a self-employed businessman running Town Taxi medical transport for years.  Ed was also a local musician with an intense musical prowess and the ability to play multiple instruments in tandem (a sight to be seen) and by ear.  He played with many bands through the years, most notably, the Eddie Goodness Quartet.

In the 1950’s, Ed was a member of the Rockin’ Hi-Lows .  As borrowed from oswegomusicianshalloffame.com:  in 1957, at that intersection of progressive new music and hot-dogger ambition, Oswego County’s famous Rockin’ Hi-Lows were born. The band jammed entertainment venues and high energy dance halls like Three Rivers Inn, in Seneca Knolls, The Fish Net, in Sylvan Beach, and Central High School, in Syracuse.

In that era, the only way to break through the big scene was with a hit record.  In 1958 the group traveled to New York City and recorded their only 45. The A-side was a tune called “Hey MaryAnn” and the B-side was the group’s original tune, a crowd pleaser, “I Need Your Love”, written by Ed and bandmate Freddy Greco.  The disc received heavy local radio rotation.  Musician’s lore is that “I Need Your Love” reached 101 on the Billboard Hot 100 music charts – just one hair away from a rocket boost to fame.”

In 2016, with his family in attendance, the Rockin’ Hi-Lows were inducted into the Oswego Music Hall of Fame.  Ed was immensely proud of the induction, and his family thanks the Oswego Music Hall of Fame for that recognition.

Ed once again took the stage during the 2017 Oswego Musicians Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and played one more time with The Eddie Goodness Quartet. “With a bass strapped on his shoulder, one hand moved smoothly along its neck while the other plucked and strummed it, intimate and familiar.  Steeped in decades of charm and charisma, and as if no time had passed, he sang a few songs to the delight and applause of the crowd.”

Ed is survived by his daughters, Tonya Powers Crisafulli (John Munk), Terri Powers Lamb (Rich Lamb); his grandchildren, Daniel Crisafulli, Austin Crisafulli and Kennedy Lamb; Ms. Coleman’s sons, William Coleman (Paula Coleman) and Matthew Coleman (Brandie Coleman) and their families; his nieces, Vicki Powers, Valerie Puffer, Tracy Powers, Trisha Powers, and nephew, Jon Powers.

There will be no services.  Arrangements are handled by Foster Funeral Home.

The family asks you to remember Ed as the consummate musician, loving Father and Grandfather and steadfast friend he was throughout his life.