Obituary of Edward A Budnikas

Dr. Edward Budnikas, DMD Dr. Edward (Ed) Budnikas was a big-hearted and fun-loving husband, stepfather, grandfather, sibling, nephew, neighbor, and friend. He passed away at home on August 7, 2022, at the age of 80. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfonsas Budnikas and Aleksandra Uzkuraitis, his sister, Ilona Spada, his beloved first wife, Carol Schmidt Budnikas, and his dogs Buddy and Sonny. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, on June 25, 1942, Ed immigrated to the United States with his family in the early 1950s and became a proud American citizen. After high school, he pursued a teaching degree at SUNY Albany, after which he taught high school chemistry for five years in Fort Plain, NY. Hungry for a new challenge, and with the steadfast support of his first wife, Ed then attended dental school and further specialized in orthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced as an orthodontist in Vestal, NY, for over thirty years before retiring to enjoy his golden years. Ed was known and liked by many for his generosity, big personality, love of Elvis Presley, and devotion to the Vestal Rotary Club, of which he was a member for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Handicapped Children's Association, where he served on the board of directors for many years. He was a lifelong movie and music buff and an avid collector of memorabilia. Ed enjoyed good food, bad wine, traveling to warm places, swimming, sing-alongs, fishing and boating on Quaker Lake, and spending time with his loved ones. He was devoted to his family, especially his three grandchildren, and delighted in spending time with them at the lake, the beach, and holiday celebrations. He will be sorely missed and leaves behind many years of happy memories for those he knew and loved. Ed is survived by his devoted second wife, Monica Roe-Budnikas, step-daughters Ellen Hanson (Eric) and Monica Roe (David Palecek), grandchildren Connor Hanson, Kate Hanson, and Raven Roe-Palecek, brothers Dr. Peter (Marcia) Budnikas and Dr. Arunas (Kathy Thompson) Budnikas, maternal aunt Ms. Elena Leavitt (aged 100), and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Christ Episcopal Church, 10 Henry Street, Binghamton, NY, at 2:00pm. Calling hours will be held directly beforehand, from 1:00-2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy House (Endicott, NY), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Christ Episcopal Church. Just as Ed would have wanted, good food will be served afterward.