Millbrook – Edward W. Travis passed away peacefully at age 91 at his home in Millbrook, NY, on Friday, December 14, 2018. His beloved wife of 65 years, Mary, was at his side.
Edward was born in Queens, New York. As a young man, he entered the Merchant Marine, which fostered a lifelong love of the ocean. He completed his undergraduate studies at Cortland State Teachers’ College, where he met his future wife, Mary. They were married in June of 1953 in her hometown of Endicott, NY. Ed and Mary had five children- Laura, Deborah, Diane, Eileen and Edward- and lived on Long Island and in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Ed was a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and college professor. He was known as an innovative educator, dedicated to helping non-traditional and underprivileged students attend college. He began his career as a physical educator and coach in New York and later earned a Masters in Education/Counseling from Springfield College in Massachusetts. He continued his career as Head of Guidance at Duchess Community College, pursuing further studies at University of Massachusetts/Amherst, where he earned his Doctorate in Education. At the University of Massachusetts, he taught in the Guidance Counseling and Psychology Department.
Ed was passionate about sailing, golf, and watercolor painting. He became an accomplished watercolorist and exhibited his paintings with the Crossover Artists in Rhinebeck, New York, and at galleries in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. He was a long time member of Dutchess Golf and Country Club and Red Hook Golf Club, and at various times belonged to several different yacht clubs. He was a man of many interests and pursued them well into his later years. His wife Mary was a true partner in a long life of adventures together.
Edward W. Travis is predeceased by his grandson Thomas, and is survived by his wife Mary Travis, daughter Laura Travis; daughter Deborah Travis and son in law Mark Sustic; daughter Diane Travis, son in law Peter Weitzman and grandchildren Devan and Travis; daughter Eileen Travis, son in law Tom Ruane, and grandsons Joseph and Patrick; and son Edward Travis, daughter in law Rita Travis, and granddaughters Nicole and Kylie.
A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018, 11 am at 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for The Eleanor Roosevelt Community College Emerging Leaders (ECCEL) program via Dutchess Community College Foundation, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1595. Please note your check or online donation: In Memory of Ed Travis. Learn more at https://1406.thankyou4caring.org/pages/eccel
