Rev. AndreaGrace has been blessed to be a part of Dr. Edgar Klugman’s circle of love and to journey closely with him in his last weeks. She is honored to support his family during this season of their lives and to officiate at Ed’s memorial service.
Dr. Edgar Klugman passed peacefully February 11, 2024, at the stellar age of 98.5. He was born Edgar Siegfried Klugmann on September 13, 1925, to David and Hermina and was welcomed by his older brother, Werner. Ed spent his early years in Nuremberg, Germany, until he fled the Nazi regime on one of the last Kindertransport trains. As a teen, Ed was able to enter the United States and was reunited with his family in New York City. Three days after graduating high school, he enrolled in the United States Army, where he spent most of his time as an interrogator in Italy and Austria. After the war, Ed returned to New York, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education and principalship, as well as a doctorate from Columbia University. During college, he met Hertha Anne Slavson, and they married on September 23, 1950.
Ed and Hertha both worked in education and spent some time in Afghanistan where Ed worked as a methods and materials specialist for the Department of Education. Upon returning to the United States in 1958, they began a family—welcoming Kerri in 1959 and Tamara in 1962. In 1970 they moved to Newtonville, Massachusetts, and Ed began teaching at Wheelock College, now part of Boston University. His classes focused on early childhood education, policy, and play. He helped establish state laws and national organizations dedicated to supporting our young children and their families. As a professor emeritus, Ed co-founded Playing for Keeps. He continued to advocate for children, intergenerational play, global healing and peace—and published a Global Healing curriculum at the age of 97.
One of the things Ed treasured the most was playing with his own family, which includes his son-in-law, Richard Carl Robertson, along with his two daughters Kerri and Tami, as well as his grandchildren Takara Lee Klugman married to William Mead and their baby Zaharah Luna; Aubrey Anne Robertson and her partner Matt; Hannah Kia Robertson and her partner, Josh; and Chenoa Marie Klugman-Fitzgerald married to Jonathan Turlick. Ed created many wonder-filled memories with his beloved nieces, nephews, and their families, as well as his companion, Lynn Wetreich.
Ed was known as Edgar Siegfried Klugmann, Schlomo Ben David, and Edgar Keen, but was better known as Baba, Pa, Dad, Unk and Eddie. By what name did you know him?
Ed was a lifelong learner, teacher, storyteller and gatherer who believed in the power of play. He was a visionary and connector. He was resilient and a reconciler. Ed turned grief into kindness and promoted peace and healing. His bountiful seeds of love and eternal energy will continue to bless our world.
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