The long-time owner of an iconic East Aurora destination has died. Ed Vidler, the president of Vidler's 5 & 10 on Main Street, was 90 years old.
"Sad to post tonight that our Dad, Ed Vidler, passed away very peacefully this morning at the age of 90," read the Facebook post Saturday evening.
Vidler's father founded the store in 1930. Ed Vidler later became the face of the business, thanks to TV commercials and a statue of him on the roof of the store, the Vidler on the Roof.
In the Facebook posting, his family described Vidler as "kind, humble and polite," saying he was "always ready with a really bad pun or corny joke."
The family said Vidler would not want poeple to mourn him.
"He often said he didn't need a funeral, because his celebration of life was in Nov. of 2007 when Ed Vidler Day was held at the The Aurora Theatre and Popcorn Shop... "How lucky am I to have all my family and friends around me to celebrate while I'm alive and not after I'm gone."
A memorial guest book has been established through Kenneth Howe Funeral Home.
