Obituaries

John R. Edler

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, in Walnut Creek, California, Former East Marion resident, the Rev. Canon John R. Edler, went home to his Lord completing a 90 year journey filled with a life-long religious vocation, a 65 year marriage to his wife Jean (Palmer) Edler, and a family of four including three daughters Barbara, Cynthia, Deborah and a son Jack. 

Father Edler’s life was one of dedication to his calling, resulting in many joys, blessings and contributions affecting all those who crossed his path in every community that he served. Born in Brooklyn, June 16, 1924, to his beloved parents, George and Frances Edler, Father Edler was pleased to find out later in life that his wife Jean was born on the same street in Brooklyn, one year later then him. He also took great pride that despite the fact he was told he would never walk again after a debilitating automobile accident as a child, he went on to complete a full and rewarding life serving family, friends and community; culminating in a dance with his wife Jean at his 90th birthday/65th wedding anniversary party in June of this year.

An only child and growing up in Brooklyn, he graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, and Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, after which he entered the religious life as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1948. Following his marriage to beloved wife Jean in 1949, Father Edler served as a dedicated priest in a number of communities including, Huntington Station; Irvington, N.J.; Oakland, N.J. and Greenport. He also served as secretary of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, N.J., secretary of the Program and Budget Committee of the U.S. Episcopal Church, and delegate to the U.S. General Convention. His compassion and intellect stand as beaming reminders of a life filled with spiritual dedication and contributions.

Father Edler’s foresight enabled him and Jean to acquire land and build a cottage on Gardiners Bay in East Marion that became their retirement home and sanctuary for many years. Father Edler’s spiritual life paralleled many other interests, including: research, reading, boating (he was chaplain of the Power Squadron in Long Island), fishing, leather crafting, and caring for family dogs while sharing many stories of a life well lived. His ability to integrate his life experiences with the spirit of his Lord’s words provided content for many memorable and moving sermons throughout his life enriching both family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Jean and children, he completes his life’s journey witnessed by Judith Pollock (wife of daughter, Barbara Edler), William Marshall (husband of daughter, Cynthia (Edler/Pilchick), all residing in the San Francisco bay area; Michael Brennan (husband of Deborah (Edler) Brennan) residing in Lancaster Pa; David Kietrys (husband of son Jack Edler residing in Philadelphia, Pa); grandson Joseph Galascione residing in Lancaster and stepgranddaughter Jessica Pilchick, Cynthia’s step-daughter with first husband William Pilchick (deceased), residing in Australia.

A private family service was held, and at a future date a graveside service will take place in Riverhead.

The Father John Edler Memorial Fund has been established to support the work of The Heart Failure Resource Center. This unique program provided invaluable assistance to Father Edler and his family, allowing him to live longer and remain comfortable at home in spite of his progressing congestive heart failure. The family requests donations be made to Heart Failure Resource Center, John Muir Health Foundation, 1400 Treat Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94597.

As a beloved priest, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, Father Edler completes his life remembered for his spiritual strength, compassion, intellect and dedication, serving as a role model throughout his 90-year journey. May he rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.

This is a paid notice.