John L. Edler

John L. Edler, age 70, of Bel Air, MD, died on November 4, 2009 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Al and Ann Edler. A 1957 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Mr. Edler received a degree in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and was both a registered professional engineer and registered stationary engineer in Maryland. A member of the Air National Guard, he initially was employed at BGE as a draftsman, but worked his way up to the position of Vice President of Constellation Energy during a career there that spanned four decades. "John was something of a legend in the power plant division," said BGE Senior Vice President Tom Valenti. "He was a respected and beloved leader as well as a highly competent engineer." Ron Lowman, retired President of Constellation Generation, described Mr. Edler as "a true gentleman, in every sense of the word. And he knew the business. I could trust his judgment. He was a good friend for over 40 years. I will miss him greatly." At various times, Mr. Edler was the chief engineer or manager of the major Baltimore area BGE power plants—Wagner, Westport, Gould Street, Crane and Brandon Shores. Later, he managed the BGE Fossil Engineering and Maintenance Department that served those facilities. Mr. Edler was also active with the Maryland Region of the American Lung Association of the Atlantic Coast. "John was a valued volunteer and leader for more than a decade," said ALA President and CEO Melina Davis-Martin. "He served as a board member, event volunteer and chairman of the organization's clean air initiative. Most importantly, he was an outspoken advocate for people with lung disease and the importance of guarding lung health. He was a great friend of ALA and will be dearly missed by its staff, volunteers and supporters." He was also a member of the T-12 Dinner Group.

Known for his quiet, yet wry sense of humor, Mr. Edler admired old cars, took pleasure in doing his own yard work and enjoyed going to race tracks, especially with his friend George.

Mr. Edler is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sally Clark Edler of Bel Air, MD; daughters, Ellen and Sharon Edler, both of Baltimore City; sister, Joann Greenwell of Glen Burnie, MD; and was the proud uncle of James Greenwell, David Greenwell, Ben Clark, Ian Clark, Alan Clark, and Amanda Clark.

Pallbearers were Dave Clark, Tom Clark, Dan Clark, Ian Clark, David Greenwell, and Vern Skinner. Honorary pallbearers were Ben Clark, Dave Snyder, Joe Traino, Rod Dyess, Jerry Geurts, Randy Siler, and Jerry Stallings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of the Atlantic Coast, Executive Plaza 1, Suite 600, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.