Edwin Martin Gershon

Edwin Martin Gershon passed away on September 29, 2024, in Saddle River, NJ. Eddie, as he was known to family and friends, was born on October 8, 1940, in Cornwall-On- Hudson, NY. He was the younger son of Ann and Charles Gershon, with his older brother, Howard (Howie), preceding him by seven years, and he spent his childhood in Brooklyn and Queens, NY as a lifelong New York Yankees fan.

During his teenage years, Ed crossed paths (a blind date) with his soulmate, Gail, and their bond flourished into a remarkable union that spanned 65 years. They traveled the world together from Europe to South America to Asia and Africa. Paris was a frequent and favorite destination. Family and friends gathered in Atlanta this past June to celebrate the milestone of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Ed earned a degree in business from Long Island University and served his country as a U.S. Army medic stationed in Fort Dix and Fort Sam Houston during The Cuban Missile Crisis. Thankfully, the conflict resolved before he was sent to Cuba to fight. After their marriage on June 7, 1964, Ed and Gail resided in Pittsburgh, PA for a few years before returning to the New York area, where they settled in the picturesque town of Ridgewood, NJ. This quaint setting provided the backdrop for cherished memories and the foundation of their growing family. Their daughter, Kimberly Ann, was born in 1972 and they enjoyed life in Ridgewood. Nantucket Island became the family’s summer home. Carefree days spent on the beach, riding bicycles, and sailing in the island waters were some of the pastimes that kept them returning every summer. Ed's career in catalog sales led him to Atlanta, GA in 1980, where he embraced the concept of a home office long before it became commonplace. This arrangement allowed him to not only excel professionally but also to play an active role in his daughter’s life, from driving school carpools to mastering the art of grilling dinner on the back deck.

His ingenuity and creativity knew no bounds, particularly when it came to crafting elaborate Halloween costumes that became the talk of the town. His dedication to perfection led to award-winning ensembles, such as a Rubik’s Cube, and Pac-Man and the Ghost, complete with sound effects from the video arcade. Kim and her childhood friends shared fond memories of trips to Sam Flax for art supplies. This was followed by time designing and strategizing in Ed’s office, then building and executing their projects in the basement. Kim and her dad also shared a love of sailing and spent time on the water together often. They attended many local sporting events together including Georgia Tech football and basketball games, and Atlanta Braves and Hawks games.

Another noteworthy pastime was reviewing local Atlanta restaurants with Gail and publishing articles in Brown’s Guide to Georgia. This love of fine food carried over in their travels where dinner reservations at gourmet restaurants were always a top priority. When Kim graduated USC, Gail's career with Kaplan Test Prep led them back north to Washington, DC. There, Ed undertook the challenge of remodeling a brownstone in Georgetown while immersing himself in his role as Senior Vice President in charge of Marketing at the National 4-H Council. Ed's sharp negotiating skills and innovative creative approach resulted in successful partnerships with notable entities such as NASCAR and Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield. His contributions left an indelible mark on the organizations he served, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and peers alike. Gail and Ed were very involved with American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for over three decades and members of the Kenen Society. They enjoyed living in Georgetown for 25 years.

In retirement, Gail and Ed shared time between their homes in New York City and Coconut Grove, FL. They continued their love of travel and spent as much time as possible with their grandchildren who fondly refer to Ed as Gramps. The family spent over 20 consecutive summers on Kiawah Island, SC where they enjoyed fishing, golf, and relaxing on the beach. While in Florida, Ed volunteered in the butterfly exhibit at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables and was an active member of Sidney Appel’s Retired Old Men’s Club that met by Zoom five days a week to discuss a variety of educational topics. He was continuously learning and always had a wealth of information to share.

Throughout his life, Ed's warm smile, boundless creativity, and unwavering love touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, and enduring spirit.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Gail, their daughter Kim, her husband Jonathan, and three beloved grandchildren (Maddie, Tyler and Gabrielle), and a host of extended family and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts always.

A memorial service to celebrate Ed's life will be held in New York, in the near future.

Contributions in memory of Ed can be made to:

Villa Marie Claire

Hospice & Palliative Care

Saddle River, NJ 07458

Arrangements by Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, NJ.