Edward R. Erdman, 86, of Allentown, died July 19, 2024, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

“Ed,” to his many friends and family, was the husband of the late Nancy F. (Shiffer) Erdman, who died in March.

Born July 16, 1938, in Danville, Montour County, he was the son of the late Russell E. and Mary Ann (Quinn) Erdman.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education, secondary curriculum from Kutztown University in 1960 with a focus in biology.

He was awarded his Master of Arts degree in education from Lehigh University in 1962 and subsequently earned certificates in environmental education in 1970, from the Pa. Department of Education, Secondary Principals in 1973, and Superintendent’s in 1977, both from Lehigh University and supervisor of curriculum and instruction in 1978, from the Pa. Department of Education.

He began his career as a science teacher at Parkland High School in 1960, serving in that role for 10 years.

During that time, he was Science Department chairman for four years, served as the golf coach for two years, initiating the team, and served as advisor of the Natural History Club.

He then served as assistant principal at Parkland High School for four years.

In 1974, he began serving as the first curriculum director for secondary schools for Parkland School District in which he and his office were responsible for many of the educational programs of the district, as well as all district state and mandated testing and compliance with state curriculum regulations.

He also supervised department chairs and teachers in selected academic areas.

He was a member of both the Pennsylvania and National Associations for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

He was particularly proud of programs in music and the arts which he initiated, as well as integration of basic typing skills into the curriculum of students. He served as interim principal of Parkland High School from 1988-89 and was awarded the honorary title of interim principal emeritus by his colleagues, an award he especially cherished.

He remained an ardent advocate of education and particularly that provided by Parkland School District throughout his life and was a keen follower of Parkland’s many sports teams.

Born and raised in the coal regions of Pennsylvania, living in Ashland until he went to college, he often commented his upbringing there was formative to much of his approach to life, and he shared an immediate connection with anyone he met who was also from the many nearby towns of the region.

He played football and basketball in high school and continued playing basketball in college.

He was a devoted husband to Nancy, his wife of 63 years whom he met at Kutztown University.

He valued family very highly, deeply enjoying his role as a father to his two sons and wonderful grandfather to four.

He had a strong interest in genealogy of his family and enjoyed attending family reunions.

He loved the outdoors especially, spending time hunting and fishing often near the family cabin on the Loyalsock Creek, which he and his wife purchased in 1970 and lovingly cared for and improved over many decades.

While at their cabin, they spent extensive time with their children and grandchildren, enjoying the outdoors and playing many games.

Inquisitive, interested and quick to sincerely engage in conversation and listen with everyone he met, he will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown.

His survivors include sons Scott E. Erdman, Ph.D. and his wife, Maria, of Syracuse, N.Y., and Russel E. Erdman of Royersford; and grandchildren Sarabeth, James, Sean and Sandra.

His service will be private, at the convenience of the family.

There will be no public calling hours.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.