Michael J. Edwards, 74, of Newtown, died October 24, due to complications related to vascular dementia. He was born on March 10, 1943, in Flatbush, Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Mary Ellen and Frederick Edwards.

He graduated from Lynbrook High School in 1962 and went to college at Nassau Community College and Tennessee Tech, where he received his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering in 1966. After that, he served in the US Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and made the rank of captain.

During that time he started a family, marrying Nancy Martin in 1966, and remained married to her for 51½ years. In 1977, he received his MBA in business from Shippensburg University. He belonged to the Association of Industrial Engineers.

A creative soul his entire life, Mr Edwards loved family, science, music, sports, and the arts.

His wife, Nancy; his children, Michelle and Michael; his grandchildren, Jack and Owen; and his siblings, Mary Ellen, Frederick, and Dolore,s survive him.

A funeral service was conducted October 29 at Honan Funeral Home, Newtown.

Memorial donations may be made to Regional Hospice of Connecticut at regionalhospicect.org.