Norman Edmund Obituary

Edmund, Norman Wilson, age 95, died January 16 following a short hospitalization in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was the founder of the optics company Edmund Scientific based in Barrington, NJ. Mr. Edmund was born in Massachusetts and raised in Camden, NJ. He delivered newspapers, earned Eagle Scout and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High. One week after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, he was sent to the Camden County sanatorium because he had contracted tuberculosis. Three formative things happened at the Lakeland Sanatorium. Norman began taking photos and tinkering with lenses. Searching for the lenses he needed led to an exploration of the mail order business. Also, he met his future wife, Pauline who was the night nursing supervisor. After his recovery he began selling surplus lenses from a card table in his Oaklyn apartment. By 1943 he was doing well enough to marry Pauline and move Edmund Salvage Company to Collingswood, NJ. The end of World War II resulted in a surplus of optics. Norman was able to increase his inventory and grow his customer base. In 1948 he changed the company's name to Edmund Scientific and moved it to a new building in Barrington, NJ. Although primarily a mail order business, Edmund Scientific did operate a retail store for many years. The store became a reflection of Norman's personality, mixing the scientifically serious with whimsical toys, books, kits and gadgets. It attracted generations of science enthusiasts. The store closed in 2001 when the consumer division of the business was sold. Norman's enthusiasm and generosity were appreciated by many organizations. The Boy Scouts awarded him the Silver Beaver, their highest honor for volunteer service. He served as President and Board member for the Camden County Lung Association. He was appointed a Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory in the Catholic Church. The Borough of Barrington named him Citizen of the year in 1961 and dedicated a playground in his honor. Norman spent over seventy summers enjoying Ocean City, NJ. He was an avid deep-sea fisherman with great respect for Mother Nature and a member of the Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club. Norman retired to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1974. He devoted his later years to studying the scientific method and promoting its application in everyday life. He instilled in his family the importance of initiative, critical thinking skills and building some fun into every day. A daughter, Jane, and his wife of 67 years, Pauline, predeceased Norman. He is survived by a daughter, Joan Husted (James) and a son, Robert Edmund (A. Gwynne), grandchildren Nicole, Genvieve, Rachel, Marisa, Alex and Evan and thirteen great grandchildren. His sister-in-law Dorothy Barna also survives, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. The business he founded is still a family business. His son, Robert has returned the company's focus to optics. Edmund Optics, based in Barrington, operates facilities worldwide, circulates 2 million catalogs annually and employs over 700 staff members globally. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Sisters of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, P. O. Box 843, Bellmawr NJ 08099 or Boys & Girls Clubs of Camden County, 1709 Park Blvd., Camden, NJ 08103-3601. To learn more about Norman Edmund and the 70 year evolution of his company, please visit the EO 70th Anniversary Timeline at www.edmundoptics.com/70-years.

Published by Sun-Sentinel from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Norman Edmund

Sponsored by my childhood memories of the magical things my Dad bought for me from that wondrous catalog....

Not sure what to say?





2021-06-20
my fun mirror

I always like the fun mirrors instore
I just order one online for me

friend
Donald Steers

donald steers

Friend

June 20, 2021

great friends of me Donald and my parents Steers
great store and staff

Donald Steers

Donald steers

Friend

January 24, 2021

So sorry to hear of Mr. Edmund's passing. As a past employee I remember his love of life, his generosity and quick wit. My condolences to his family.

Mickie Flanders

June 26, 2014

Norman . . . (as you insisted I call you when I came to help you research The Scientific Method in the early 90s) I will always remember your unalterable goal to instill TSM into curricula across the nation and around the world.
On tthe other hand, his sweet loving personality spread to everyone who came into contact with him, especially children. He spoke often of his loving grandchildren and welcomed mine when they stopped in. When my daughter came to help with massive amounts of filing, she would bring 2 year old Brian. He'd play with toys but whenever he had a chance he would sneak into Norman's office to sit on his lap and have conversations. Don't know what was discussed but for years, Brian would always want to go see "Mr. E".
His love of garage sales was evident throughout the office. Found treasures filled every surface that wasn't filled with books and almost every visitor left with a treasure that he had admired. And you could never let him know you collected anything or you soon would be inundated with additions.
I pray that his wisdom has made a lasting impression on the learned scholars of our education system. I know that he left his loving imprint on me and my family.
My belated sympathies to the Edmund family - you were blessed with an exceptional father and grandfather. I'm sure he is still keeping watch over you from up above!

Gail Peterson

June 24, 2012

Mr. "E" - My memories of you as a past employee of Edmund Scientific are ones of joy and happiness. I fondly remember your walk through the building to say hello and good morning to all of your staff everyday . I also want to say you taught me alot about the surplus business and business in general. You had the brightest and quickest mind I have ever met. I believe I'm a better person because I had the pleasure of working for you.Thank you for your great contribution to our society. I'm sure your family misses you dearly. Rest in peace Mr."E"

Bill Dingethal

February 4, 2012

Mr. Edmund, my memories of you and all the Edmunds are of kindness, fun, exploration and education. From tobogganing behind the big red tractor to enjoying Christmas with you as Santa coming in the front door, I loved every minute with you all. Upon your passing goes a great person who will reside in my memory and heart forever.

Neil Jackson

January 31, 2012

At the age of 10, I purchased an optics kit and a weather station kit from Edmund. It led to a 40 year career (still working) in the Planetarium field as a professional Astronomer and Meteorologist.

Steve Russo

January 25, 2012

I first saw his likeness and signature in the 1965 Edmund Scientific Co. catalog. My very first order as a junior high student was an ultraviolet lamp and a plastic Fresnel lens. I loved looking through the little catalog he published every year. My deepest condolences to the family. The amateur astronomy community will miss him.

David Wilson

January 24, 2012

Norman W. Edmund- My Best Pal and Friend

Mr. Edmund kept his boat "The Pickled Herring" at my parents, Jim and Alice Nardelli's home at 17th and the Bay Ocean City, New Jersey. In the 1960 era. At about the age of 8, Mr Edmund took me under his wing and we began the best journey any young boy could ever imagine. We fished the entire East Coast from New Jersey to Florida and the Bahama Islands. We caught and released many types of game fish, including marlin, swordfish, sailfish, wahoo, and many species of bottom fish. We had many wonderful days on the Pickled Herring with our family and friends. Mr. Edmund was the best teacher and deep thinker I have ever met. He taught me many life lessons and was one of my inspirations to succeed in life.
One lesson that stands out is one that I have instilled in my sons, and it was instilled in me by Mr. Edmund was the meaning of initiative. Initiative-striving to do something before being told to do so.
The many teachings and experiences that "The Chief" and I had on the high seas will be remembered forever. The love and admiration I have for Mr. Edmund will be carried with me the rest of my life. My deepest sympathies to son Robert, daughter Joan and their families. Your father was a special person with intelligence, patience, humor, and humility and I am proud to have had many fond memories and enjoyed time spent with a remarkable man.

Fondly,
William J. Nardelli Sr.

William Nardelli Sr.

January 23, 2012

My first telescope was a Edmond Scientific a red bowling ball as my friends called it. Ha I have had it for 20 years and still has the best optics as if brand new.
His contributions to the Astronomy world is unmeasurable. My deepest sympathy to the whole family, may the good memories of his life bring them comfort.
Elaine B Osborne

January 22, 2012

We were neighbors of Norman onRoyal Plaza and got to know him while he was biking which was twice a day. We enjoyed talking about biking and he was always such a pleasant person. he always carried stickers for the youngsters he met on his rides.

We were so sorry when he had to stop biking, it kept him young at heart and involved in the neighborhood.

we are sorry for your loss. Norman was a wonderful,nice person.
Jerry and Susan Vogel

Jerry and Susan Vogel

January 20, 2012

one of the best companies of my childhood , as a kid in the 1960's interested in space and astronomy this place was mecca. I had been a customer for over 40 years I even had a letter from him from that time period he took the time to actually write to me and answer my questions about telescopes and included a pamphlet titled the scientific method, that I still have 40 years later. It lead me into my profession today in Aerospace Engineering for which I am Eternally Grateful. My deepest sympathy to the Entire Edmund Family .

Gary Swain

January 20, 2012

Norman was not only one of the brightest but kindest people we have ever met. We remember with fondness the many times we spent in earlier times. I especially remember the time he put a rubber fish on my line on a fishing trip!! Truly a great human being. Have a great trip to that far away galaxy, Norman.. Pat and Paul Schneider

Paul Schneider, M.D.

January 20, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to your family we grew up in Barrington and your father always gave all the kids in town somewhere to go and explore the world of science we always had fun and also learned some interesting things!! We Thank Mr.Edmund.

Carol Werner-Delker

January 19, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the entire family, I was an employee in the retail store in the late 70's. I worked as a stock person and had the opportunity to run the light show. I had the pleasure of winning the annual drawing for tickets to the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City and sat with the family at the end of the runway. Edmund Scientific was a fun filled family store and I am glad I had the opportunity to have my daughter experience it before it had closed. This is the end of another era.
Peace

January 18, 2012

Bob,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Dave Buck

January 18, 2012

I remember the store your father had in Barrington. My Dad use to take us there as children in the 50's.. we really loved it... it was so neat to see all the direct things that you did not see anywhere else. Your father is now at rest and with the Lord... God Bless you and your family. Arlene Ruble, Turnersville, NJ

January 18, 2012

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