Donald H. Edman
Donald H. Edman, 80, of Waccabuc, NY, husband of the late Noel A. Edman, died on Wednesday, March 18. He was born August 4, 1934 in Mineola, NY to the late Harry and Evelyn (Bartel) Edman.
Don grew up in Williston Park, NY and graduated from Chaminade HS, where he played varsity basketball. He graduated from Hofstra University where he participated in many extra-curricular activities, including president of Student Council, fraternity president, ROTC, and business manager of the college newspaper. He also received many university honors, including Dean’s List and election to Who’s Who in American Universities.
After graduating from college, Don was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served for six years, including two tours of active duty. Don then pursued graduate studies at George Washington University.
Don joined IBM in 1957 and remained for almost 40 years. During that time, he rose through many positions of increasing managerial responsibility in both the international and domestic operations. He retired in 1993 as a senior corporate executive at IBM corporate headquarters in Armonk, NY.
Don married Noel Anne Nelson in November, 1956. They were married for 54 years and raised five children. They were long time members of Waccabuc Country Club, and enjoyed many activities, including golf, tennis and paddle tennis. Don also served on the club’s Board of Governors.
Don had many interests in addition to athletics such as playing guitar, organ and bridge. He was a long-term supporter of Special Olympics, and was a member of the Board of Directors of NY State Special Olympics. In addition, Don utilized his golf experience to develop and implement a program to teach golf to Special Olympic athletes.
A childhood dream of Don’s was fulfilled when he became a licensed pilot.
He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Ridgefield, CT, where he was involved in the church’s Midnight Run program and often traveled to serve the homeless in NYC. Beyond these church sponsored activities, he volunteered as an overnight manager of the Dorothy Day Homeless Shelter in Danbury, CT.
Don is survived by a son, Donald N. Edman of Yonkers, NY, and four daughters: Denise M. Lupia and her husband David of Rancho Mirage, CA; Kathleen E. Segal and her husband Stephen of Oakland, CA; Lisa A. Terramoccia and her husband Robert of West Milford, NJ; and Gabrielle N. Briggs and her husband, Jason of New Milford, CT. Don also is survived by five grandsons, Kyle and Casey Terramoccia, Carson Martabano and Taylor and Avery Briggs.
A Mass of Christian Burial is being celebrated on Tuesday, March 24th at 10:15 AM ín St. Mary’s with Msgr. Laurence J. Bronkiewicz officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.
The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Monday, March 23rd from 5 PM to 8 PM. Contributions in Mr. Edman’s honor may be made to Special Olympics NY, Hudson Valley Region, 1207 Route 9, Suite 1C, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, 845 765-2497.