Jay Downs Edwards

Jay Downs Edwards, 95, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024. Born in Delanco, New Jersey in 1929 to Helen B. and Jonas L. Edwards, Jay was the cherished younger brother of Marion and Joan. Jay graduated from Palmyra High School in 1945, where he showcased his musical talents by playing the trumpet in the high school band and swing orchestra. He also played the banjo and piano, nurturing a lifelong passion for music that spanned Sousa marches, Broadway musicals, and classical concertos. A prodigious intellect, Jay skipped several grades and entered the University of Pennsylvania at age 16, where he joined the marching band. He completed his undergraduate studies in just two years and entered the UPenn School of Dentistry in 1947. It was there he met Natalie Oberhaus, a dental hygiene student who would become the love of his life. They married in 1951 after his graduation. Jay served in the Army Dental Corps for two years, stationed at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot, Philadelphia, and RAF Lakenheath, before establishing his own practice in Wethersfield, Connecticut at the age of 25. Jay was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of Kiwanis, president of the Hartford Dental Society, and an invited member of the Horace Wells Society for his outstanding work in anesthesia. Appointed to the Connecticut State Dental Commission by Governor William O’Neill, he was reappointed by subsequent administrations. Jay was also a member of the International College of Dentists and served as an Examiner on the Northeast Regional Board of Examiners for over 20 years. Jay was an avid golfer, introduced to the sport at an early age, and passed that love onto his children. His son, Bruce, was a well-known professional caddy on the PGA Tour, working for Tom Watson for more than 30 years. He and Natalie attended hundreds of golf tournaments across the country, becoming familiar faces on the Tour. Jay was an excellent golfer in his own right, winning the Pro’s Trophy at Wethersfield Country Club, and scoring a memorable hole in one. A voracious reader, Jay had stacks of books, newspapers, and magazines filling his home. The advent of the Internet allowed him to clear his physical space of print material while opening new avenues for connection. He actively used his computer to read international news, follow his favorite sports teams, email friends, and Zoom with family well into his 90’s. His love of travel and curiosity about other cultures and their cuisines took him and Natalie to France, Ireland, England, Morocco, Romania, and on his “bucket list” trip to Australia. Jay had a deep affection for all things British, from the BBC broadcasts he listened to every morning to the television shows he streamed. Jay was so proud his children found ideal life partners and loved his extended family dearly. He leaves his daughter, Christine, and her husband, John Cutcher, of Annapolis, MD; his son, Brian, and his wife, Laurie, of Steamboat Springs, CO; and his daughter, Gwyn, and her husband, Leonard Dieterle, of Franklin, MA. He also leaves behind his adored grandchildren Alisa Boudreaux, Kresta Werner, Natalie Cutcher, Christopher Cutcher, Meghan Dieterle, Madeleine Dieterle, and Jay Dieterle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to BridgingLife Hospice at https://tinyurl.com/JDEgive or to a charity of your choice. Services will be private.

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