Franklin Roosevelt "Ed" Edmonds

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Revelation 21:4
Franklin Roosevelt Edmonds, affectionately known as "Ed," was born on September 7, 1942, in Buckingham County, Virginia, to the late Daniel Nathaniel Moorer, Sr. of Summerville, South Carolina, and Minnie Edmonds-Moorer of Newark, New Jersey. At an early age, Franklin's mother recognized the importance of faith and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. When she later moved the family to Brooklyn, NY, she became a member of Trinity Temple Baptist Church, where Franklin was baptized and accepted the Lord as his Savior.
He quietly answered God's call to eternal rest on Friday, October 31, 2025, at his home in Newark, NJ, with his beloved wife by his side.
A Life of Service
Franklin attended Boys High in Brooklyn and graduated from Bushwick High School. After graduating from high school, Franklin enlisted in the United States Army in the 1960s. Upon completion of Basic Training, PFC Edmonds attended the U.S. Army Signal School, where he earned his certification in the Radar Repair Course, a 32-week program. Continuing to excel, he later attended the U.S. Army Ordnance Guided Missile School at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. There, SP5 Edmonds successfully completed a 34-week course and became a HAWK Continuous Wave (CW) Radar Repair Specialist.
Franklin was then assigned to the U.S. Army 217th Ordnance Detachment, 30th Artillery Brigade in Okinawa, Japan. His mission supported multiple HAWK missile sites across the island, providing critical 4th Echelon support for field operations during the Vietnam War era. His work helped maintain vital air defense systems that protected American servicemen and women.
Dedicated Career and Family Man
Following his overseas service, Franklin returned home and settled with his family in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Continuing his military commitment with the Army Reserves, he also began a civilian career with Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage, Long Island. During his time at Grumman-an integral partner in NASA's Apollo missions-Franklin used his expertise to calibrate and repair various electronic instruments, including signal generators, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers. His work contributed to the success of the Apollo 11 mission, which landed humankind on the moon.
After the mission's completion, Franklin transitioned into public service, joining the New York City Transit Authority in May 1970. As a Car Inspector and later Line Maintenance Supervisor, he ensured that every subway car under his watch was safe, efficient, and ready to serve the people of New York. Franklin proudly served 26 years with the Transit Authority, retiring in 1996.
Franklin was united in holy matrimony to Levern J. Edmonds, and together they were blessed with a loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, and provider-always working hard to ensure his family's needs were met and their hearts full of love.
A Man of Faith, Pride, and Purpose
After retirement, Franklin and his family moved to his mother's hometown of Newark, NJ, where he began working for the United States Postal Service. He became an active member of his community, serving in organizations dedicated to uplifting Black excellence and cultural awareness.
Deeply passionate about history and heritage, Franklin traveled to Ghana and West Africa in the 1970s during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. There, he visited the historic slave castles and connected with his ancestral roots-an experience that profoundly shaped his lifelong commitment to knowledge, unity, and cultural pride.
Franklin continued serving his country in the Army Reserves, where he achieved the esteemed rank of Master Sergeant (E-8). His 26 years of military service reflected his unwavering integrity, leadership, and devotion-to his nation, his community, and most of all, his family.
Cherished Memories
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Nathaniel Moorer, Sr. and Minnie Edmonds-Moorer, and his sister Elaine Sharp.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Levern J. Edmonds; beloved children Kecia (Byron) Edmonds-Kearney, Tonja (Corey) Edmonds-Curtis, and DeShawn (Chelsea) Edmonds; grandchildren Wardell, Dymond, Devon, Nyles, Dru, Dre, Sanai, Alex, Kaleb, and Kai; and great-grandchildren Trysten, Preston, Austin, Lalah, and Naiim.
He is also survived by his siblings Daniel Moorer Jr. and Denise (Coleman) Moorer-Curry; sisters-in-law Evelyn Henderson, Mary Manley, Earnestine Scott, Minnie Jefferson, Joyce Hunt, Sharon Jones, and Renee Jefferson; brothers-in-law Tony Henderson, William Scott, Victor Hunt, and Kenny Jefferson; his beloved nieces Nicole Sharp-Frazer, Katreal Jefferson-Manley, Danielle Moorer, Dominique Moorer, and Desiree Moorer; nephews, Cory Robinson, Christian Curry, and Coleman Curry; along with many cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Franklin Roosevelt Edmonds. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.