Edward McLaren (Ed) passed away on June 3rd, after a brief illness. Ed was a Danbury resident for 62 years, and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor McLaren. Ed was born and raised in Troy, NY, where he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and earned his degree in mechanical engineering. In 1945 while at RPI, Ed was called to serve his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. As a member of the Army Signal Corps, he was asked to obtain an additional degree in electrical engineering, which he completed at Rutgers University while still in the service. After the War, Ed worked as an engineer for General Motors and the Niagara Mohawk Power Company. In 1952, Ed moved to Danbury to work at Helicoil Corp. as Director of Engineering. Ed subsequently moved with his family to Bridgewater Mass in 1965 to become the Head of Manufacturing at the Independent Nail Company. He returned to Danbury in 1968, to open his own business, Books & Records Inc. 1n 1972 Ed returned to his engineering roots by accepting a position as Plant Manager of the Dot Fastener division of TRW, where he worked for several years. Ed concluded his career commuting for 17 years to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in New York City from Danbury, where he served as a Director of Codes and Standards. From the time he was a boy, Ed had a passion for automobiles. He became an avid antique car enthusiast and collector, and was active in several antique car organizations both as a member and a judge. He and his family enjoyed many events and travels around the country in his vintage automobiles. Ed was also a passionate photography enthusiast and was a member of the Danbury Photography Club for several years. He was also a member of the Quaker Hill Church in Pawling, NY. In addition to his wife Eleanor, Ed is survived by his brother Gene, his sister Mary Beck, his son Edward and daughter-in-law Dawn, and two grandsons, Colin and Aidan. The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Ed received in his final days from Regional Hospice.
Calling hours will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home 247 White Street, Danbury on Tuesday June 7th from 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Funeral services will take place in Cornell Memorial Home on Wednesday June 8th at 11:00am, with the Rev. Mark Allen, Pastor of Christ Church on Quaker Hill, Pawling, NY officiating. Burial will follow in the Wooster Cemetery, Danbury with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church on Quaker Hill, 17 Church Road, Pawling, NY 12564 or to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.
