ROBERT D. EDELSON, 66, of Ocean Grove, died Saturday, July 14, 2007, in his beloved Ocean Grove, New Jersey, following a lengthy struggle with cancer. A lifelong New Jersey resident, Robert was born in Neptune, grew up in Interlaken, and spent the majority of his adult life in Ocean Township and Ocean Grove. Robert received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Lafayette College, Easton, PA where he was a brother of Phi Kappa Tau. He continued his education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology where he earned a Master's degree. His professional career began with Autodynamics, where he rose to become their President. Later, he went into private management consulting, and most recently worked for Lucent Technologies. Robert spent 35 years as a volunteer with the American Heart Association. During this time he served in many roles including being a member and Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Affiliate. He also helped to form the Heritage Affiliate, and served on their board. Robert was recognized for his contributions in 1993 with the Howard W. Dayton Award. His other interests outside of work were numerous and varied. As a founding member of the Citizens for Wesley Lake, and a member of the Wesley Lake Commission, he received the Swan Award acknowledging his role in establishing a plan for reviving and revitalizing the lake. Through the years, Robert also found time to pursue his creative interests through Boy Scout leadership, the Oakhurst First United Methodist Church Arts Council, and playing trumpet with the Shore Concert and Ocean Grove Summer bands.

Robert was pre-deceased by his father, Dr. Samuel Edelson, and his mother, Catherine Margaret Edelson. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Anne Eagen Edelson, and two sons, Lawrence S. Edelson and his wife, Paula Catherine, of Fairfield, VT and Christopher T. Edelson and his wife, Dr. Mary Kate O'Hare, of South Orange. He is also survived by a brother Paul Edelson and his wife, Marjorie, of Oakhurst, a sister, Eleanor Millar, of West Allenhurst, and a granddaughter, Mila Anne Edelson.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 17th at 10:00 AM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove with interment following at Monmouth Memorial Park Tinton Falls. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 7 - 9.