Obituary of Thomas L. Edge

Rev. Thomas L. Edge of Kinderhook, NY and formerly of Ringwood, NJ and Sarasota, FL departed this world at his home surrounded by his devoted family on Saturday, March 20. Thomas was born in Detroit, MI to the late Leslie J. and Marie F. Dirksen Edge on December 20, 1935, joining elder sister, the late Joan Flohr. He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and was married to Betty R. Maxwell in 1959. A year later, he was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and was subsequently awarded a Master of Divinity degree. In 1960, he founded St. Ambrose Church in Pennsville, NJ. Later, he was active in the civil rights movement as pastor of All Saints' Church in Charlotte. In 1970, he was called to Christ the King Church in Ringwood, NJ where he served tirelessly for 32 years until his retirement in 2002. Pastor Edge was a committed servant, liturgist, and teacher of the faith, all of which he continued in retirement. Thomas loved classical music, especially the works of J.S. Bach. He was particularly pleased when his eldest grandson gave him the nickname of "Bacha," which he happily bore until his death. Tom was also an avid boater who enjoyed many adventures on the Hudson River, the New England Coast, and the Chesapeake Bay with friends and family. Thomas is survived by his three children: Elizabeth (Andrew) Howard, Christopher (Alison) Edge, and Angela (Scott) Sadlo; five grandchildren: Christopher and Paul Howard, Geoffrey Edge and Emmanuelle and Mark Sadlo; and two dear nieces and three nephews. He is predeceased by his loving wife of sixty years, Betty Ruth. Thomas' family wishes to thank Michaela, Kelly, Adriana, and Marie for their attentive care. They are also forever indebted to Dean Leander Harding and Woodrow Bynum of the cathedral as well as Pastor Rick Serina of Christ the King for their spiritual support. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 27 at 11 am at The Cathedral of all Saints, 62 S. Swan Street, Albany followed by a service of Christian Burial at Kinderhook Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, March 26 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the cathedral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 50 Erskine Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 or to the Cathedral of All Saints, 62 S. Swan St., Albany, NY 12210.