David Erdman

David Erdman, adored and adoring husband of Eleanor (Ellie) Crosby Erdman, died on July 5. He was 94.

The fourth of five sons of Lucy Kidder Bulkley and Dr. Charles R. Erdman, Jr., David lived in Princeton, N.J., Edgartown and Rockland, Me.

His father, Dr. Erdman, was a prominent professor of political science at Princeton University, two-term mayor of Princeton Borough, and commissioner of economic development for the State of New Jersey.

David was educated at Miss Fine’s, Princeton Country Day School, Phillips Exeter Academy (Class of 1949) and Princeton University (Class of 1953) where he was a member of Cottage Club and the 1953 Princeton championship hockey team.

Upon graduation, David served abroad in the US Army. He spent his career in the aluminum industry, culminating as sales manager for New Jersey Aluminum.

In 1960, he married Eldred Eve Pearce (deceased) in England. They had three children: Charlotte Eve (Peter) Rizzo, Jon (Nathalie) Erdman and Jane (Charlie) Abrahams; and seven grandchildren: Meredith, Hilary, Matthew, Alexander, Hadley, Eryn and Riley.

In 1980, he married Eleanor Crosby Sinclair of New York City, who remained his wife for 44 years. His stepchildren include Jay (Sherry) and Ian (Stephanie) Sinclair. He was also a loving grandfather to Ian and Stephanie’s children, Parker and Clay Sinclair.

A passionate and accomplished sailor, David spent many summers on Martha’s Vineyard, followed by decades living harbor side in Rockland, Me. with his wife Ellie and their beloved Westies.

He is predeceased by his parents and brothers: Harold, Charles and Peter.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor Crosby Erdman and a broad and loving family of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his younger brother, Michael Erdman of Bryn Mawr, Pa.

The family would like to thank his many devoted friends and tireless caregivers for all of their support during his final years.

A celebration of life will be held in Princeton, N.J.