Milton Edelin

1932 - 2026

Milton Edelin
02/18/1932 - 01/22/2026
Milton Rozier Edelin of Piedmont, California, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by family. He was born on February 18, 1932, in Washington, D.C.
Milton came of age as a young African American man in the 1950s, when professional opportunities were limited. Gifted in drawing and mathematics, and encouraged by a high school teacher who recognized his potential, he pursued architecture and earned admission to Columbia University. One of only nine Black students attending Columbia at that time, he worked every weekend and summer to help finance his education. He later attended Columbia's School of Architecture, where he was the only Black student in his class.
His interests expanded to urban planning, and he earned a master's degree in the field before beginning a career in public service and private practice. Milton ultimately served for 18 years as Deputy Director of City Planning for the City of San Francisco, retiring in 1997.
In California, Milton met Yvonne, whom he would always say he met through divine providence. They married in 1965, trailblazers as a mixed-race couple, and built a life grounded in partnership, perseverance, and shared purpose. Together they raised two children, Gregory and Ranah, while expressing Milton's entrepreneurial spirit through real estate investing.
Throughout his life, Milton loved traveling the world with Yvonne. He was known for his generosity of spirit, sense of humor, and deep care for others. He rarely asked for help and embodied resilience.
Milton is survived by his wife of 60 years, Yvonne Han Edelin; his children Gregory and Ranah; daughter-in-law Sunita; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Khing, Yvonne, Albert, and Audrey; and his grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, Balencia, Gregory, Niko, and Maya.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement's Church, 2837 Claremont Boulevard, Berkeley, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Milton and Yvonne Edelin Columbia University GSAPP Scholarship Fund: https://giving.columbia.edu/remembering-those-who-follow