Edward A Delman passed away December 7, 2014 at the age of 86. He was born January 14, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY and enjoyed serving in the Merchant Marines and his time at sea. During a trip back on the train from his station at Fort Eustis in Virginia to New York, he met his wife, Edith Mortenson from Sioux Falls, SD who was traveling from New York back to Washington after visiting her sister.
Ed and Edie were married shortly after on May 12th, 1951 and settled in Maryland where Edward started working in electrical wholesale at Maurice Electric in Washington D.C. and Capitol Lighting in Alexandria. In 1961, he founded Alexandria Lighting & Supply with a partner, Irwin Goldberg, at the Powhatan Shopping Center in Alexandria. They moved the business to 701 N Henry St in 1964 where it still stands today. He credits all his success in business to his wife Edie who was the bookkeeper and glue that held the company together.
Edward is well remembered for his engaging personality with anyone who came into the store. He affectionately greeted most customers with “kid” or “babe” and enjoyed learning about other people’s backgrounds. Bagels and cream cheese became a tradition in the showroom on Saturdays in the “Electric Deli.”
Edward was an excellent businessman and tough teacher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith in 1998. Edward is survived by his sister, Dorothy Solomon of Smithtown, NY; son Eric Delman (Danae) of Alexandria, VA, daughter Ellen Delman Rydell (William) of Alexandria, VA and five grandchildren; Zachary Delman of New Haven, CT, Samuel Delman of Fairfax, VA, Erika Delman of New York, NY, William Rydell of Alexandria, VA and Janna Rydell of Arlington, VA.
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