NORWICH – Edward “Rebel” Emerson, 80, of Midland Drive, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday while working in his garden, his most enjoyable hobby.
 Ed is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (Fama) Emerson, and two sisters, Helen Gregory and Margaret Powell and her husband, Phillip and a brother, Spencer Royster Jr. and his wife, Joan, all living in Alabama.  He is survived locally by Dr. Parker and Mary Ward and family, the late Carmen and Nicolina Mendolia family, the late Joseph and Anna Fama family, the Jimmy and Gerry Cusumano family, the Andrew and Darlene Cusumano family, and Annette Connick and family. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews in Alabama. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, James Royster and his step-son, Joseph Cusumano.
 Born June 11, 1927 in Tennessee, Ed was the son of Spencer and Maude Royster. He entered the United States Army after World War II and served in Germany and Okinawa. In later years he served as a staff sergeant at Fort Dix and Fort Bragg training new recruits. Upon retiring from the army, Ed worked for a short time at the former General Laboratories Associates in Norwich and at the C & U Telephone Company, retiring in 1984.
 Ed was a long time faithful and active member of the Robert E. McNeil Council #211 of the Knights of Columbus and headed the Council for three terms as Grand Knight.  He was currently serving as the Council Membership Director and has chaired the Council’s principal fund raising C & B Program for most of his membership years.  He was also a member of the Norwich General Assembly, Fourth Degree and has served as its Color Corps Commander for over ten years.  A generous and faithful friend who was ready to help others as much as possible, Ed also represented his Council as Delegate to the Central New York Chapter Knights of Columbus.
 He was an active member of St. Bartholomew’s Church where he served as an usher and past chairman of the grounds committee. He was a familiar face at parish festivals. Ed was also and active community volunteer with Meals on Wheels and Catholic Charities. He also enjoyed visiting his friends at the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford.
 Ed loved his gardens, playing golf and traveling with senior groups.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, a favorite uncle and a dedicated friend with a strong, spirited personality.
 A Mass of Resurrection for Ed will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Friends may call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
 Contributions in memory of Ed may be made to the charity of your choice.
 The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.