Douglas Winston Edwards, a self-made man who enjoyed a successful career as a senior manager for several Ford car dealerships, rising to the level of Vice President, died on August 7, 2023 in New York City. He was 82.
Family and friends are welcome to visit on Thursday, August 17, 10am-12pm at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ. A funeral service will immediately follow. Interment will be private.
Doug is survived by his wife, Marilyn (nee Kriete), his son Richard Douglas and daughter-in-law Carol, his son Douglas John and his wife Cora, five grandchildren: Allie, Julie, Katrina, Sophia and Tyler Douglas, and his sisters, Lois Lyons, Phyllis Silvia, and Patricia Cirz. He was predeceased by his father John Edwards, mother Helen Delaney (nee Felter) sister Winifred Wisniewski, and brother John Edwards.
Born in Jersey City, Doug lived in Kearny for most of his life. He lost his father when he was a boy, and overcame many hardships.
As a young man, he developed an interest in cars, and learned to be a mechanic, eventually earning a master automobile technician certification. After several years, he went into management, where he increased sales revenue, won numerous company awards, built strong relationships with many longtime customers and became a mentor for countless young mechanics.
In 2003, Doug relocated to live full-time in his vacation home in Lanoka Harbor to enjoy the Jersey shore. There, he and Marilyn spoiled their grandchildren with a long list of fun things to do- boat rides, crabbing, fishing, trips to the beach, rides on the boardwalk and much more. At Poppy's, the kids always knew the water in the pool would be sparkling, and the freezer would be full of ice pops. Over the years, he also devoted much of his free time to helping family members, including being a primary caretaker for Winifred, who suffered from a serious longtime illness.
Well known for his sharp mechanical mind, Doug loved building, repairing and tinkering with things around the house. He could fix anything. When he found time to relax, he liked being on the high seas, taking dozens of cruises.
Doug will be long and fondly remembered for his strength, hard work, tenacity, kindness, love, endless emotional and financial support... and for his oft repeated phrase, "Life Is Good!"
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Food Pantry at First Presbyterian Church.
