EDELSON, Irving M., D.D.S. Dr. Irving “Irv” Edelson of Farmington, formerly of Plainville, beloved husband of 63 years of Phyllis Landwald Edelson, died on Thursday (September 2, 2010). Irv was born in New Britain on February 23, 1925. He was the devoted son of the late Abraham and Sadie (Krechevsky) Edelson. He graduated from New Britain High School and, in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He served his country honorably until 1945. He trained as a navigator and was a lieutenant, guiding B-24 Liberators as part of the Mighty 8th stationed in Halesworth, England. He was an expert navigator and on one mission successfully guided his plane to a safe landing during a terrible storm in which all radar contact had been lost and the on-board navigation system had failed. Upon Irving’s return to the United States, he was stationed in Tucson as a Flex Gunnery Advanced Navigator trainer on B-29s. For his meritorious actions in the Air Corps, Irving was awarded a Bronze Star for Campaigns over Germany, an American Theater Ribbon World War II Victory Medal and received an honorable discharge. While in Tucson, he met the love of his life and future wife, Phyllis. They married on June 22, 1947, while Irv attended the University of Buffalo on the GI Bill. Upon graduation, they moved to Baltimore, where Irving attended the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland. Dr. Edelson graduated with honors from dental school in 1952 and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. Dr. Edelson then completed a one-year general practice residency at the Southbury Training School. Irving and Phyllis then moved to Plainville, where Irving set up his dental practice in 1953. He practiced dentistry and served the needs of the dental community for over 50 years and was a member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and American Dental Association for over 57 years. He was past Chairman of the Plainville Board of Health and an early advocate of Plainville’s water fluoridation for the prevention of tooth decay. He was a past president of the Plainville Rotary Club, the New Britain Dental Society, the Beach Park Point Association, and a member of the Congregation Tephereth Israel in New Britain. He was a conscientious dentist and his patients traveled great distances, including from out of state, to be treated by him. He was also one of the first dentists in Connecticut to be bestowed the honor of a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Edelson was for many years also a Clinical Instructor in Restorative Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. After Irving retired from the practice of dentistry, he successfully pursued his lifelong dream of getting a pilot’s license. He was also an avid golfer who loved to play golf with his family and friends. He won many tournaments and even had a hole- in-one. Irv and Phyllis loved to travel. Irving was widely known for his quick wit, his great sense of humor, and his generous hospitality. He had many interests but his greatest joy came from being with his family. He was very proud of his three children and eight grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Irving leaves to mourn his death and celebrate his life his loving children, Attorney Shereen Edelson and her, husband Attorney Arnold Menchel; Lawrence and Nong Edelson; and Dr. David Edelson and his wife, Susan; his adored grandchildren, Robert and Eric Menchel; Dr. Kari Edelson, Aaron and Kevin Edelson; and Joshua, Benjamin, and Jared Edelson. Irving was predeceased by his devoted sister, Adeline Kessler, and her husband Leo Kessler. and Dorothy and Philip Nenchel. He leaves many dear family members, including Sharon Edelson; Fran Tarr, Lucille and Paul Roth and Arthur and Vera Landwald; Suzanne, Jack, Andrew and David Werblow; Jerry Kessler and Susan Anderson. He will also be missed by his present and former employees that he had the pleasure to work with during his career. He will also be missed by many close friends, including special companions and helpers, Earline Lafontain and Russ Bard. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Robert Malkin, Dr. Susan Halley, Dr. Charles Graeber, Ingrid Triplett, R.N., and Irving’s many healthcare friends. “May the memory of his soul be for a blessing.” Funeral services will be held Sunday (September 5, 2010), at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, with interment in Beth Alom Cemetery, Allen Street, New Britain. Shiva will be observed at his home, 4 Bailey Court, Farmington, Sunday following the interment through Tuesday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guestbook for Dr. Edelson, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.