Edward Prah

Edward J. Prah

November 17, 1935 – December 6, 2024

Highland Falls, NY

Edward J. Prah, Beloved Barber and Family Man, Dies at 89

Edward J. Prah, a lifelong Highland Falls resident whose wit and storytelling enlivened his community as the proprietor of Ed’s Barber Shop, passed away at his home on December 6, 2024. He was 89.

Born on November 17, 1935, in the coal-mining town of Lemont Furnace, Pa., Mr. Prah shared his birthday with his twin brother, Bernard. He was the son of the late Anna (Unetich) and Martin Prah.

Known as “Whitey” in high school for his light hair, Mr. Prah excelled in football, wrestling, and track, earning a football scholarship to Finlay College. After college, he served as a military police officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1955 to 1957, where he met the love of his life, Salvatrice “Sally” Palermo.

Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Prah attended barber school in New York City’s Bowery neighborhood, beginning a long career as “Ed the Barber” in Highland Falls. His shop became a hub of local life, where his quick wit and engaging storytelling made every haircut an experience. To support his family, he often worked additional jobs, embodying a work ethic that his children and grandchildren would long admire.

In retirement, Mr. Prah embraced family life, enjoying time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. An avid golfer and talented cook, he was known for his hearty meals and sense of humor.

“Family was everything to him,” his loved ones said. “He lived a full, happy life, and we will miss him dearly.”

He is survived by his wife of sixty seven years, Sally, of Highland Falls; his four daughters: Carol Bunsey (and her husband, Eric) of Conroe, Texas; Lisa Prah of Los Angeles; Stacey Marra (and her partner, Steve Nash) of Peekskill, N.Y.; and Laura Prah (and her husband, Rob Stellabotte) of Ridgewood, N.J.; as well as his sister, Theresa Perrotta of Virginia Beach, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Prah also leaves behind six grandchildren—Katie Cape, Danielle Cape, Michelle Miranda (and her husband, Wayne), Daniel Marra, Nicholas Marra (and his fiancee Lindsay Pelaccio), and Georgia Stellabotte—and three great-grandchildren: Rory, Hudson, and Weston.

Edward J. Prah will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose humor and warmth enriched all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls, N.Y.

Edward’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main St., Highland Falls, NY. Interment to follow at Peacedale Cemetery in Highland Falls, NY.

Memorial contributions may be to the Highland Falls Ambulance Corps or Sacred Heart Church of Highland Falls.