Obituary of Martin Edmondson

Martin Edmondson of NY entered into rest on April 10, 2016. Beloved husband of Frances Edmondson. Loving father of Kathleen, Dana, Susan, Martin Jr. and Michael. Cherished grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of 1. Reposing at Riverdale Funeral Home, 5044 Broadway, NY, NY 10034 on Wednesday April 13th from 2-5pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Service will commence on Thursday April 14th at Queen of Martyrs Church at 9AM. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. From the Family of Martin Edmondson: What is the measure of a man's life? By the world's standards it's the accumulation of wealth and accolades. But money comes and goes, as does fame. At the end of the day -- indeed at the end of our lives -- perhaps the only thing that any of us has to show for our brief time on this earth is how much we loved and were loved by others. As many of you know, our father, Martin G. Edmondson, Sr., was a very generous man, in big ways and in small. He was quick to pick up the tab and make people feel at ease. He was hospitable, often letting folks stay over his and our mother’s house, and cooking delicious meals for anyone who was hungry or happened to stop by. For decades our parents gladly hosted all the major holidays, never turning anyone away. Our father was also charitable and donated to several charities, including St. Jude's, which occupied a special place in his heart. Coming from what today would be considered a large, low-income family in the South Bronx, our father didn't have much growing up, at least not in the material sense of the word. Nevertheless, he was always quick to give, even when he could least afford it. Though he wasn't the eldest child in his family, our father took on the role of protective big brother to his two younger brothers, Papi and Teddy. He would later assume the role of becoming a supportive uncle to his nephew Louie, though our father himself was just a kid. But our father was a proud man and wasn't one to feel sorry for himself. He was a standup man -- what some might call a man's man. He was a faithful husband to his wife, and our mother, Fran; he was a wonderful father and an even better grandfather; and last, but certainly not least, he was a loyal friend to all. Dad, we know you are with us today and will live in our memories and hearts forever. Your love and kindness will never be forgotten. We don't know if you fully realized how many lives you touched and changed for the better before you left us, but you did, the ripple effects of which will live on for generations to come. As we say goodbye to you today, Dad, our hearts are heavy, for we miss you already. But the many smiles, laughter, and good times that we shared as a family over the years will sustain us. So, our beloved father, mentor and friend, we hope you are looking down on us from Heaven, seeing the beautiful legacy in the form of family and friends that you left behind. And in our book that is the truest measure of a man's life. Well done! Rest in peace. Love always, Kathy, Dana, Susan, Marty and Michael SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS Papa Ph.D Grandpa, Summa Cum Laude ----- Yesterday my father died, yet none of the newspapers mentioned it. Come to think of it, God must have forgotten to tell the sun to stop shining, the birds to stop singing, and the children to stop laughing, too. Did our President neglect to inform the public that today is a national day of mourning? Could that be the reason everyone is dressed in bright colors and going about their business, as though it were another ordinary day? Hadn't they heard the news that our family, nay the world, just lost an extraordinary man? Martin G. Edmondson, Senior, born July 27, 1937, may you rest in peace forever. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Martin Edmondson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.