Edward Z. Dager, aged 100, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2022 in Rockville, Maryland. Edward was blessed with a large and loving family. He was predeceased by his wife, Esther, to whom he was married for 68 years. He is survived by his children, Janet (John), Michael (Debra), and Beth (Magnus); his grandchildren Rachel (Jon), Michael, Daniel, Mark, Anna, Jack, Charlotte and Elise; his great-grandchildren Avi and Grace; and his sister June Griffin.

Edward’s greatest loves were the people in his life. His wife, children, grand- and great-grandchildren, his siblings and extended family, his friends and neighbors. He was a man of tremendous generosity and valued his relationships with people over everything. Edward was a conversationalist. He never missed traveling back to his roots in Ohio for each and every family reunion. He was one of a kind, always putting others first, always offering a helping hand. Many have said that Ed was one of the only people they ever met who was always happy to help them out, yet never asked for anything in return. He genuinely cared about and was interested in everyone in his life, was a great listener, and was often solicited for his advice. He always had time for people and had an amazing ability to connect with all types of people from any background. He inspired others to become better listeners, more patient, and giving of their time. You always felt better after a visit with Ed. All of us who were fortunate enough to have been close to him are better off for it. He had a passion for golf, gardening, woodwork, fixing things, tools of all kinds, and playing cards. Edward liked to build furniture with his own hands in his basement wood shop. On the street where he lived for over 50 years, he was known as the “Mayor of Bentana Way” and had one of the longest ever running weekly poker games in his basement. He completed his PhD from The Ohio State University after serving four years in the South Pacific with the U.S. Navy in World War II. He went on to have a successful career as a sociology professor at Purdue University in the 1950’s and 1960’s, moved to the Washington DC area in the mid 1960’s as a full professor at the University of Maryland, where he ultimately finished out his career as chairman of his department.

Edward was blessed to live an extremely full and happy, healthy life surrounded by family and friends. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, his intelligence, his patience, his firm handshake, and especially his unwavering support to all of his friends, family and neighbors.

There will be a memorial service on August 7 at 2:00 pm at Potomac Presbyterian Church at 10301 River Road, Potomac MD 20854. A dinner reception will follow at Renatos’s Restaurant across the street from the church, from 4:00 – 6:00, 10120 River Road, Potomac MD 20854.