Melvin Michael Edelman

Melvin Michael "Mel" Edelman, 87 of Ocala, Florida passed away after a lengthy illness and comforted by Hospice on January 24, 2018. He was born November 1, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI to John S. and Marion Bluvstein Edelman. Mel worked most of his career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as an Engineer and Project Manager responsible for Air Force Reconnaissance projects. He developed night vision and photo equipment used in the Korean War. He photographed the 1st and only amphibious assault in Korea. Later he worked on Reconnaissance projects that were key to intelligence during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, and other National Security interests. He was recognized many times throughout his career with awards for outstanding service. Mel also volunteered many years as a recreational youth baseball coach and league administrator in Kettering, Ohio as well as a high school coach in Ocala, Florida. He also enjoyed extensive travels throughout the world for business and pleasure. Mel loved cruise ships and spent many enjoyable moments throughout his retirement with his loving wife, friends, and family seeing the world. He will also be remembered for his home movies and especially the personalized narration he would add. Mel loved his family most of all. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his 5 grandchildren, teaching them to swim in his backyard pool, taking them to the beach, and being there for the important milestones in their lives. Mel will be remembered and loved as a very selfless person, husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, who found the most joy and fulfillment helping those of us fortunate enough to have him as a part of our lives. Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years known lovingly as "Penny", Rose Alice Edelman of Ocala; daughter Lynn and husband Steve Chojnacki of Ocala; son Gary and wife Amy Edelman of Ft Wayne, Indiana; grandchildren: Nicole Chojnacki Ocala, Chad (retired Army Medic) and wife TeriLynn Chojnacki of Honolulu Hawaii, Pvt. 1st Class Bryan Chojnacki (Army Infantry) of Georgia, Lee and husband Eric Pepple of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Kelly Edelman of Ft Wayne, Indiana; his only great grandchild, Adam Pepple; as well as a sister Elaine Terhune of Colorado and cousin Merl Edelman of California. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday January 30, 2018 from 3-4 PM in the Chapel of Beyers Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 4 PM. A Committal Service including Military Honors will be conducted at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on January 31, 2018 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Marion County or ALZ. Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com.

Melvin Michael Edelman

November 1, 1930 - January 24, 2018