In Memory of Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Edward George Kakaty

Obituary

Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Edward George Kakaty

June 30, 1942 – November 3, 2026

Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Edward George Kakaty, 84, beloved Melkite Catholic priest, brother, uncle, and friend to many, has left this earthly life to join his loving and proud parents, Mary (Kurdy) and Joseph Edward Kakaty; his sister, Janet Sadie; his brother, Dr. John Kakaty; and many relatives and friends who predeceased him.

Born in Utica, NY, on June 30, 1942, the second of three sons, he leaves his sister-in-law, Theresa Kakaty; his brother, Kenneth (Gerri) Kakaty; and three younger sisters: Janet (David R.) George, Diane Kakaty, and Sandra Kakaty.

His lifelong devotion to St. Basil Melkite Catholic Church in east Utica began with his baptism and confirmation and grew through his service as an altar server, CYO founder and advisor, and choir member. A SUNY New Paltz graduate and former New York Mills high school art teacher, he was ordained on Madison Avenue on April 30, 1972, in the first ordination held there. He remained devoted to St. Basil's throughout his 54-year priesthood and donated many cherished artifacts in retirement.

Elevated to Archimandrite in 1992, Fr. Ed served as pastor in parishes across New England and the Midwest: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Worcester, MA); Our Lady of the Cedars (Manchester, NH); St. John the Baptist (Chicago, IL); St. Michael the Archangel (Hammond, IN); Annunciation Cathedral (Boston, MA), where he served as rector; and St. Ann (Waterford, CT), before retiring in 2017. In retirement, he voluntarily assisted at St. Basil Byzantine in North Miami and St. Nicholas Melkite Church in Delray Beach, FL. His ministry inspired his parents to travel across America, and the entire Kakaty family rallied behind the four national Melkite Conventions he hosted.

An artist with a lifelong eye for detail, from drawing imaginary cars in the air as a kid to painting icons and decorating cathedrals, Fr. Ed united families with his warm humor, memorable homilies, and joyful weddings. He loved cooking Mediterranean meals for friends, keeping up with over 1,000 friends on Facebook, tracing intricate family trees, and helping immigrants of all faiths settle into American life.

He also leaves nieces and nephews who shared loving relationships with their uncle: Lisa (Kakaty) & Michael Starczewski; Dr. Joanne Kakaty-Monzo & Michael Lange; John & Michelle Kakaty; Jennifer (Kakaty) & Kent Brown; Joseph & Josie Kakaty; Paul & Renee Kakaty; Steven & Diana Kakaty; Rebecca (George) & Clay Robblee; David & Jodie George; Mary (George) & Justin Rech; Daniel & Jennifer George; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. He officiated at several of their weddings and traveled home often to baptize and confirm many babies, always joking, "Have vestments, will travel."

Family and friends are invited to participate in priestly protocol for Archimandrite Kakaty who will lie in state at St. Basil's, 901 Sherman Drive, Utica, on November 18. A wake to greet family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. "A Funeral for the Priest" will follow at 7 p.m. Bishop Nicholas Samra, Fr. Ed's classmate, will officiate along with brother priests.

A Divine memorial liturgy will be concelebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Basil's on Thursday, November 19. The interment service will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Utica, NY.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Basil Melkite Catholic Church would be appreciated.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.