Edward J. Shultis
Edward James Shultis, lovingly known as Eddie, Mr. Ed and “Uncle Diamond,” passed away peacefully at his home in Roxbury, New York, on February 8, 2026, at the age of 76.
Born on July 14, 1949 to Hank and Eleanor Shultis at Margaretville Memorial Hospital in the Catskill Mountains, Eddie was a lifelong Catskills resident. He grew up on a dairy farm (Windy Acres) near Kelly Corners, off Shultis Road, where his childhood was shaped by hard work, open land and a connection to nature. His summers were spent walking to swimming holes and fishing; winters were filled with skiing and sledding in an idyllic childhood.
Eddie was the only brother to 4 sisters, Susan, Linda, Patricia and Amy, whom he shared close, protective and deeply loving bonds with. He was adored by his sisters and was truly the heart of the family.
He graduated from Roxbury Central School in 1967 and went on to attend Alfred University in Wellsville NY, where he earned a degree in automotive mechanics. Eddie worked first in Margaretville repairing cars, before later moving to New York City, where he drove a taxi for more than a decade, even owning a medallion. He later returned to Roxbury and began construction work, working many years pouring concrete foundations and basements throughout New York.
During winters, he worked at Plattekill Mountain Ski Center and later in life he found joy as the groundskeeper at Shepherd Hills Golf Course, where he loved starting his mornings early, watching deer and wildlife.
Outside of work, Eddie found peace and joy in simple, meaningful pursuits: bottle hunting, woodworking and listening to music. Bottle hunting (searching historic dump sites from the mid-1800s and carefully uncovering glass and forgotten artifacts). To Eddie, these places were time capsules.
Music was a constant in Eddie’s life. There was rarely a moment when something wasn’t playing, either through speakers, headphones or filling the room. His taste was wonderfully diverse: blues, folk, old favorites and new discoveries. Among his favorites were John Prine and Crash Test Dummies. Eddie once said that if he had a funeral, the song he’d want played was John Prine’s “When I Get to Heaven.” It suited him perfectly.
Eddie was known everywhere as “Mr. Ed.” People would greet him with, “Hello, Mr. Ed,” and he’d respond with a grin, “It’s Mister Ed to you.”
He had a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. He was easygoing to his core—never angry, never nasty, never gossiping or speaking poorly of anyone. He lived by a true “live and let live” philosophy. Eddie lived the life he chose, without apology and found happiness in being exactly who he was. He rarely complained and was content with the simple things in life.
Eddie shared a devoted partnership of 33 years with Monica Clark, his longest love.
He was a dearly loved father by his 2 daughters, Larissa Solovsky (Ris) and Janine Carver (Ninx) and his son Elijah Clark (Eel & Budly). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren.
Eddie will be remembered for his gentleness, kind-hearted spirit and easygoing way of being. His kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew him and it was impossible not to love him.
He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.
Shine on, you crazy Diamond.