Irv Edelman

1943 - 2023

Irv Edelman
10/3/1943 - 5/13/2023
Irv (Irving) Joseph Edelman of New Milford, CT, passed away peacefully May 13, 2023.
Irv was a beloved father, stepfather, grandfather and best friend - a paternal figure to all who met him. With a huge heart, he'd be ready to give the shirt off his back. He genuinely loved making others laugh and was the epitome of a wise guy and jokester. All besides being a true optimist, even during the hardest of times. He loved life and loved people.
Irv was born October 3, 1943, in Manhattan, NY. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he received an honorable discharge.
Having lived in the Bronx for the majority of his life, Irv was a "tough as nails" retired truck driver and proud member of Local 707, before eventually carrying his love for transportation into driving taxis throughout the five boroughs. After moving to Connecticut, Irv found further passion in the limousine driving business. Customers would request "Big Irv" as their driver even after he was promoted to dispatcher and manager. He developed many close friendships with clients he drove. He'd run into friends and acquaintances everywhere he went.
Irv eventually settled in New Milford with the love of his life, Laurie Braun, who predeceased him in 2022. Having lived mostly in New York tenements, he took great pride in being a homeowner. Whether riding the lawn tractor or barbecuing on the patio, he enjoyed spending time in his house with Laurie, having family over to visit, playing great music of the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s, watching sports and cuddling up with his buddy, Charlie the cat.
A lifelong fan of the Yankees, Giants, Rangers and especially the Knicks, he touched the lives of many and will be missed. He preached toughness and grit and was a fighter to the end. He loved trips in his Cadillac to the old neighborhood in the Bronx, where he'd grab a slice or some veal cutlet parmigiana at John & Joe's Pizzeria, or a hot pastrami and corned beef on rye at Katz's Deli in NYC.
Irv is survived by his three sons, Stuart, Scott and Wayne, grandchildren, stepson Marc Huberman (fiancé Christine Berntsen), stepdaughter Amy Gaudio (husband Mike Gaudio), granddaughter Madisyn Gaudio, grandson Gavin Gaudio, and brother and sister-in-law Alan and Kristie Braun. Irv was predeceased by his parents Isidore and Fannie Edelman.
In accordance with Irv's wishes, no formal services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in Irv's memory to Ann's Place (cancer support services), American Cancer Society, or your local animal shelter.