Edgar Walter Markard (86) passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children, shortly after a beautiful sunset at Vassar Hospital on October 14, 2025-two years to the day of the passing of his best friend and younger brother, Rudy.

Edgar was born in Manhattan, New York City, on March 25, 1939, to proud parents Paula and Otto Markard. He was their firstborn and an older brother to Rudolf Otto Markard.

He had a lifelong passion for education and personal growth, often describing himself as a "student of the world." As a child, Edgar attended P.S. 90, just a short walk from his childhood home in Jamaica, Queens. He later graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in June of 1956. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from City College of New York in February of 1961 and received a second diploma from the Institute of Radio Engineers in August of 1961. Edgar went on to achieve his Master's in Electrical Engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic University in June of 1970. He took great pride in his educational background and his vast curiosity-there was nothing he wouldn't learn about.

As a teenager, Edgar worked alongside his father, mastering the trade of carpentry. He later pursued a successful career as an electrical engineering manager with Cardion, Loral Electronic Systems, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems. He also held a patent and was a distinguished member of the IEEE. At Loral Electronic Systems, he met and married his Mechanical Engineering counterpart, Mariann Petty. His greatest passion was understanding how things worked, from a simple machine to the universe itself, and finding ways to build or repair them (Yes, my dad probably did think he could fix the universe-and honestly, I believe he could). He retired from BAE Systems at age 67 to pursue his second passion: relaxation and watching documentaries.

Edgar was a cherished husband, father, and friend to many. His smile brought joy to everyone around him, and he had an unmatched sense of humor that could light up any room. He was smart, quick, witty (and sometimes a little vulgar), but always endearing. There will never be another quite like Edgar Markard. He was truly magnetic.

Everything he did, he did with perfection-whether building things, cooking meals, or being an amazing father. He loved surprising his wife with thoughtful gestures and took immense pride in being a devoted husband and provider. Edgar raised his older children on his own, working tirelessly to give them everything he could. Late in life, he became a father once again to his beloved "mini-me", he affectionately called his "cutie pie", putting his all into fatherhood once more for nearly three decades. Being a husband and father was a defining part of who he was.

His philosophy of life was to be a man of peace and do not harm to others. His immediate family cherished him and treated him with that same philosophy and mutual respect. Edgar is survived by his beautiful wife of 36 years, Mariann Markard. His dearly loved children Victoria "Teí" Markard, Evelyn "Evie" Addams, and Matthew Markard, were very present in his life and brought him great joy.. He also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Maxwell, Orion, Tristan, Luca and Voytek.

He is also lovingly remembered by his granddog Heidi Markard and grandcat Smokey Markard. His dog Hansi Markard was waiting for him at the gates of heaven. It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to such a bright light in all our lives.

Edgar had very specific wishes regarding how his family should proceed following his passing. His immediate family is choosing to have a private celebration of life. Those wishing to honor his life, in lieu of flowers can make a charitable donation to the ASPCA.