Edward Joseph Demske

News Death Notice

DEMSKE, Edward Joseph who passed away on January 21, was born in New York City and moved to Germantown, NY, as a youngster. He became the first person in his family to graduate from college when he received his bachelor's degree from the University at Albany. Following service in the U.S. Army, he did graduate work at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Public Affairs. In 1970, after several years working for the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, he became the Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs at Binghamton University, a state research university. At Binghamton, he improved budget and computer systems, implemented an energy conservation program, and helped effectively lead the university during a time of major state budget cutbacks and student unrest. In 1982, he came to Miami University to serve as Senior Vice President for Finance and University Services and Treasurer until his retirement in 2000. As at Binghamton, he was responsible for overall administration and management of fiscal and non-academic support activities. Some of his key accomplishments at Miami included implementing a recycling program, improving energy conservation, establishing a new budgeting system, improving employee benefits, implementing the Miami Metro bus system, and overseeing substantial growth in the endowment. After retiring from this position, he served a brief time as Interim Vice President for University Relations. During his Miami career and in retirement, he was an active supporter of the university and a vocal booster of its athletic programs. In recognition of his devotion and accomplishments, Miami University made him an honorary alumnus. In both New York and Ohio, he served on many national, regional, and state committees and organizations within his field. He helped found the School, College and University Underwriters, Ltd. to provide lower cost insurance to state universities. He was an active member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, and other professional organizations. After retiring, he consulted with universities and investment companies. In retirement, he served on the Oxford Community Board as Treasurer, the McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, United Way Board of Directors, and was currently chair of the Board of Directors of the Miami University Community Federal Credit Union. He was a member of the Oxford Rotary Club. He also created an endowment to support students of the University at Albany School of Business. He received extensive recognition and honors for his professional, volunteer, and community involvement efforts. The Demske Culinary Support Center at Miami University was named in his honor. He was a loving and devoted family man and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Drumm Demske, three sons and their wives, Gregory Demske and Tamra Mendelson, Takoma Park, MD; Bruce and Kate Demske, Cincinnati, OH; Steven Demske and Sue Lamie, Seattle, WA; six grandchildren, Cecil, Jasper and Mirabelle of Cincinnati, Pvt. Lucas Demske, currently stationed in Ft. Riley, KS; and Erika and Juliet of Takoma Park. He is also survived by his brother, Walter, and his wife, Geraldine, of Lewes, DE, and brother-in-law, Thomas Drumm of Needham, MA. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday January 26 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 25 E. Walnut St., Oxford, OH 45056, followed by a reception at the Demske Culinary Support Center, Miami University, Oxford. A private burial was held in the Oxford Cemetery. The Ogle & Paul R. Young Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabeth and Edward Demske Scholarship at the University at Albany, the Edward and Elizabeth Demske Basketball Support Fund at Miami University, or the Demske Family Fund at the Oxford Community Foundation. Condolences may be sent online to www.smithoglefuneralhome.com