Arthur Jay Edelman, 92, of Ridgefield died the morning of January 30, with his six children, Sam, Sally, Toni, David, Mary, and John, their families, and his godchild by his side. His loved ones say he peacefully joined Theodora, his beloved late wife of 66 years. He was born July 19 1925, the youngest child of Beatrice and Samuel Edelman of the Bronx.

Mr Edelman was a World War II veteran, a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, a famed innovator in the leather and design industries with a former business in Newtown, and a great collector of fine art. But, more importantly, he is remembered as a passionate 6'6" man with a contagious laugh, whose love for his 15 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, friends, and family was unsurpassed.

In addition, Mingmar, Jangbo, and Silvano, his devoted support team, gave him the comfort and ability to live life to the fullest.

His farm in Ridgefield is a testament to his creativity and love of sunsets, color, and form. His flowers and sculptures are constant reminders of his love of beauty and life.

The family will be sitting shiva Thursday, February 1, from 2 to 6 pm, and Friday, February 2, from 4 to 7 pm at the family's home in Ridgefield.

Memorial donations can be made to Danbury Hospital at danburyhospital.org or to the VNA of Ridgefield at ridgefieldvna.org.