October 14, 1958-December 14, 2023

It is with the greatest sadness that David Edelman’s family shares the news of his passing on December 14.

David was born in Manhattan as the fourth of six children to Teddy and Arthur Edelman. In 1969, the family left the city and moved to their sprawling farm in Ridgefield.

David attended and graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1976. It was at RHS that David met the teacher who would transform his life, Walter Zeuchlag. Mr Zeuchlag was a shop teacher who introduced David to a lifelong love of welding and mentoring, often employing David over summers and vacations.

He went on to attend SUNY Purchase where he studied sculpture, combining his love of welding with his appreciation and knowledge of art. Subsequently, David worked for world famous sculptor Alexander Lieberman, and helped to create iconic sculpture alongside the artist.

It was at SUNY that David met his future wife, Dana, mother to his two beloved daughters, Emily and Julia. After college David worked alongside his parents and sister, Mary, in the family business, Edelman Leather.

After early success executing several highly praised design projects, David founded Edelman Metalworks. For 25 years, he was a fixture in the high-end metal fabrication business, even doing the facade of the Scholastic headquarters in Manhattan. David’s skill, matched with a constant welcoming smile, endeared him to architects and craftspeople throughout the tri-state area.

He eventually sold his business and retired to Florida, always maintaining his lifelong love of dogs and diners. He ultimately moved to Texas to live with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

David loved nothing in life more than his two daughters, Emily and Julia. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering love of family are embedded in them.

In all realms of his life, David was the rare embodiment of a man that everyone loved. His quick wit, laughter, and enormous smile were contagious.

David is survived by his daughter, Emily, her husband, Patrick, and their son, Gunnar; his daughter, Julia; his five siblings Sam, Sally, Toni, Mary, John, and their families; and his ex-wife Dana, and her family; and countless friends, especially John Arens and Dwayne Dejoy.

A celebration of life will be held January 19, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm, at 121 restaurant in North Salem, N.Y.