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DANBURY, Conn. – Edward McLaren, of Danbury, died Friday, June 3 after a brief illness. He was 93.
He was a Danbury resident for 62 years. He was born and raised in Troy, New York, where he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and earned his degree in mechanical engineering. In 1945, he 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.
After the war, he worked as an engineer for General Motors and the Niagara Mohawk Power Company. In 1952, he moved to Danbury to work at Heilicoil Corp. as director of engineering. He subsequently moved with his family to Bridgewater Mass in 1965 to become the head of manufacturing at the Independent Nail Company. He opened his own business, Books & Records Inc., in 1968 in Danbury. In 1972, he accepted the position as plant manager of the Dot Fastener division of TRW. He worked at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in New York City for 17 years.
He became an avid antique car enthusiast and collector, and was active in several antique car organizations. He was also a passionate photography enthusiast and was a member of the Danbury Photography Club. He was a member of the Quaker Hill Church in Pawling, New York.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor McLaren; brother, Gene; his sister, Mary Beck; his son, Edward and daughter-in-law Dawn; and two grandsons, Colin and Aidan.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury. Funeral services will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Cornell Memorial Home, with the Rev. Mark Allen 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.
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