Edmund J. Kardas , Jr., 76, of Hopewell Junction, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a courageous fight with cancer on August 5, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. A devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal friend, and lifelong tinkerer, Ed lived a life filled with quiet strength, a dry wit, and deep love for his friends and family.

Born in Poughkeepsie on July 30, 1949, Ed was the son of the late Edmund J. Kardas , Sr. and Florence A. (Haines) Kardas. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Electrical Repairman and later applied his sharp mind and work ethic as a Software Engineer at IBM in Poughkeepsie, where he spent many years before retiring in 2007.

Ed loved the simple joys of life-riding his motorcycle, bowling with friends (achieving the rare accomplishment of a perfect 300 game), playing horseshoes, and collecting his favorite movies. In his younger years, he played organ in many local rock bands (Nature's Conspiracy being one of them) with his cousin John, forming memories that became stories often told at family gatherings. Ed found joy in anything that brought people together.

But his greatest joy, without question, was his family. Ed was a devoted and deeply proud father to Jason, Amber-Ann, and Tyler. Becoming a grandfather to Liam and Luke brought him immense happiness. His face would light up at the sound of their laughter. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday, not just for the food (though he loved that too), but for the laughter, storytelling, and togetherness it brought each year.

On March 18, 1995, Ed married Rene Ferrara at Arlington Community Church in Poughkeepsie. They built a life of love filled with little joys and big memories. Some of their most cherished moments together were family vacations in Schroon Lake. Rene was his partner, his anchor, and his best friend.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife Rene; his son Jason Kardas and wife Nicole of Oceanside, CA; his daughter Amber-Ann Grant and husband Matthew of Highland; his son Tyler Kardas and fiancée Erin of Poughkeepsie; his treasured grandchildren Liam and Luke; and many extended family members and cousins, whom he held close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by two cousins who were more like siblings to him-John McCormick and Jolene Wahlgren. Their bonds were deep and their memories everlasting.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 2-5 p. m. a t the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A funeral service with military honors will follow at 5 p.m., honoring both his life and his service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ed's name to Hudson Valley Hospice, the American Legion, or any local animal rescue organization-reflecting his compassion and care for both people and pets.

Though he may no longer be with us in person, Ed's love, humor, and spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the memories we share, and the family he cherished above all.