Final Salute

Phelps, Edward “Bud” Nayaert, age 87, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at his home.

There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a graveside service with Military Honors on Tuesday (April 22) 10AM at Resthaven Cemetery in Phelps.

Memorial donations in memory of Bud may be made to The House Of John, 14 Spring Street, Clifton Springs NY 14432.

Bud was born on July 12,1937, in Phelps NY. He grew up on a farm, and joined the U.S Navy Seabees after graduating from Phelps Central School in 1955. Bud was very proud to have served his country as a builder of new homes, for 3 years, for our service men on the Island of Guam. He was a very successful builder and contractor in our area, having built many new beautiful homes, restaurants, banks and American Legions.

Bud was an honorary member of the Phelps American Legion Post 457. He served as a member and chairman of the Phelps Zoning Board of Appeals for 17 years. Bud was also on the advisory boards for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and I-BY Supply Lumber Company. Bud served as the President of the Arcadian Archers, President of the Seneca County Archers, President of the Finger Lakes Archers, and received the Merit Award from the NYS Archery Association.

Bud and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed taking two trips to Alaska, as well as travelling to many beautiful places in the U.S and Canada. They spent all of their spare time at their camp in the beautiful mountains of Canisteo, in the Southern Tier. They enjoyed watching deer, turkey, bear and all of the wildlife. Bud was an avid hunter, and spent all of his time outside.

Bud is survived by his Step-Son Eric (Shelia) Smolinski

4 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren

Nieces Donna VanCamp

Theresa (David) Paddock

Denise (Jim) Fultz

Pam (Greg) Stearns

Cherie Lyons

Nephews Ricky and Rob Nayaert

Many Great Nieces and Great Nephews

Good Friends Sue and Larry Galens

Bud was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Ruth Nayaert, Parents Margaret and Al Nayaert, sister and brother in law Dorothy and Jerry VanCamp, Brother and Sister in law Charles and Cheryl Nayaert, Nephew Carl Nayaert and Grandson Eric Michael

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward “Bud”, please visit our floral store.