It is with profound sadness that the Edler family shares news of Howard’s passing on September 5th.
A passionate fighter to the end, Howard left too soon at 92.
Born and raised in Mt. Cuba, DE, Howard was the only child of Virginia Leach and G. Howard Edler, Sr. Howard had red clay in his blood. The Leach/Edler families were part of the landscape for generations, including his grandfather’s blacksmith shop, his cousin’s farm and his mother’s family stone quarry (now Spring Valley). Howard, a.k.a. Sunny, as a child, graduated from Walnut Green School, a one room schoolhouse, followed by A.I. DuPont high school (now the middle school).
He attended Temple University, the first in his family to go to college, and graduated with an accounting degree. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned an administrative position at Fort Totten, NY.
While stationed, Howard attended New York University thanks to the GI Bill. He lived frugally in NYC but made the most of Manhattan, hitting every jazz club in town. He graduated with an MBA and returned to Wilmington, joining the ranks at the DuPont Company in accounting, where he met his future bride, Marilyn Lemke, who was working in the secretarial pool.
Howard and Marilyn would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary later this month.
With their first home in the Newark neighborhood of Meadowood, the family grew, with son Tim and daughter Lisa. Shortly thereafter, they built their dream home on family land next door to his parents and cousin in Mt. Cuba, DE.
Howard received his CPA while working at Cover & Company and teaching night school at the University of Delaware. He spent weekends at Newark Country Club, where his life-long passion for golf began. Howard worked hard and played hard, and in the process he built amazing friendships and an impressive portfolio.
He worked as the financial manager for the George Weymouth Family, and, after retiring at 49, began his commercial real estate career at Patterson-Schwartz.
Howard and Marilyn enjoyed many adventures and world travels with friends and as a couple. While not globetrotting, life was busy with vacation houses in Chincoteague, VA, Lewes, DE, and for the past 30 years, Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs, FL, in addition to memberships at Wilmington Country Club, Vicmead Hunt Club/Biedermann Golf Club and Bonita Bay Country Club.
Howard was a past president and 40-year member of the Wilmington West Rotary Club and a spirited patron and fanatic booster of Temple basketball – Go Owls!
While always on the move – even when in one place – Howard was at his best while sitting on his bench with a gin and tonic in his hand overlooking his valley in Mt. Cuba.
During COVID, Howard and Marilyn moved to Stonegates in Greenville, DE, while still maintaining their Florida home.
Predeceased by many cherished friends and family (both human and furry), Howard has left his devoted wife, Marilyn Edler, son, Tim Edler (wife Kathie Edler), daughter, Lisa Edler Knoll (husband Alex Knoll) and his pride and joy, grandchildren Jessica Edler, Jack Knoll and Ellie Knoll.
Burial will be private with a celebration of life at a date to be determined.
