Edward L. Wool Jr.

Scotia - Edward L. Wool Jr. born March 6th, 1944, in Watertown, NY, passed away on July 3rd, 2026, at age 82. He was the son of Claudine (Lucas) Wool and Edward L. Wool, Sr.

Known primarily as a guitarist, his musical journey began at a very young age, learning the piano from his classically trained pianist mother. In school he became a multi-instrumentalist, which served him well as a band leader and teacher for his entire career. During high school, Ed formed a band with friends, The Tempests, later to be known as Ed Wool and the Nomads. The band would perform for school dances and other events, in and around the North Country. The Nomads amassed a regional following, leading to the recording and release of singles through RCA, Columbia, and other labels, that further enhanced their popularity. That momentum created the opportunity to record a full-length album on ABC Records. The Wool album was released in 1969. Ed and his band would continue to inspire a group of North Country musicians, long after his move from Watertown to New York’s Capital Region in the late 1970s.

In 1978, Ed met his future wife, Barbara, while working at Liberty ARC as a Project Manager. He balanced his musical career by working for various New York State ARCs as a consultant, until his retirement. Throughout the 80’s, 90’s and beyond, he continued to write songs and perform, joining and eventually forming his own wedding and event band. For two decades, the Ed Wool Band was popular in the Capital Region. His level of musicianship and dedication were evident to those he worked for and with.

Ed took on the role of father to Jeff with unconditional love and enthusiasm. In addition to life lessons, he taught Jeff to play the drums. They would perform together in the wedding band for many years. In 2005, Ed became a proud and adoring grandfather (“Papa”) to McKenzie.

Aside from music, Ed loved watching movies, enjoying his Lyman with good friends while spending summers at the cottage on Lake Ontario, and sharing quality time laughing with friends and family. However, vanilla ice cream was a love he would not share with anyone.

Ed will be remembered for his immense talent as a guitarist and overall dedication to music. He possessed an innate ability to teach and share his musical knowledge. The fact that he is still revered in his hometown and region is a testament to the impact he made on those that knew him and saw him perform. In 2024, The North Country Music Project honored Ed, his sister Claudia (who also appeared on the Wool album), and other area musicians, at a standing room only event at the Clayton Opera House.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Barbara (Johnson), son Jeffrey (Kimberly) Horton, granddaughter McKenzie, and his sister Claudia (Jeff) Marsh.

There will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.