In Memory of

John C. Edwards

May 23, 2016

Obituary

John C. Edwards, 92, of Hendersonville, died Monday, May 23, at Brookdale in Asheville. Born in Ridgewood, Queens, Long Island, NY, he was a son of the late John and Mathilda Edwards.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Blanche C. Edwards, brothers Gerard and Anthony, and sister Theresa Edwards Alster. He attended P.S. 91 grade school, Grover Cleveland H.S. and Pratt Institute, where he received his BS degree in Electrical Engineering and also taught classes in engineering.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, 10th Infantry Division during WW II, serving in Normandy, Central Europe, Northern France and Rhineland. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Conspicuous Service Medal, European Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal representing Efficiency, Honor and Fidelity. He also received a certified letter from the General of France for action in Normandy and other regions of France.

He had worked for Mergenthaler Linotype Co., Smiley Griffin Consulting Engineers (construction of the Liguria to Caracas, Venezuela tunnel), Singstart and Baily Consulting Engineers (construction of the Patapsco River Tunnel, Maryland) and was Chief Engineer for the Holland Tunnel in New York. John was a member of the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus. He served as the Plainview, NY Water Commissioner for 39 years, President of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association in 1985, Chairman of Long Island NY Water Conference and was a Life Member of the American Water Works Association. John was Citizen of the Year for the Greater Plainview NY Civic Association in 1976 and Grand Marshal, Plainview of Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade in 1989. He was listed in the Benton’s Who’s Who International for extensive community service in 1990.

John is survived by his son, Daniel (Elaine) Edwards, grandson Matthew (Laurie) Edwards, granddaughter Sarah M. (David) Edwards Anderson, great-grandchildren Claire and William Anderson and Trace and Mia Rose Edwards. A graveside service with military honors will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, May 26, at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Fr. Martin Schratz will officiate.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dee Brooks, Geri Tucker and the staff of Brookdale Senior Living, Attorney Lee Mulligan of Strauss & Associates and Jollene Austin of Mills River Wealth Management for the excellent personal, legal and financial care Mr. Edwards received.