SOUTHBURY - Mr. Edward A. Magdits, 92, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. He was the loving husband of Florence (Schmedes) Magdits. Mr. Magdits was born in Punitz, Austria on May 19th, 1922, son of Frank and Anna (Yandrisovits) Magdits. He was a graduate of Stuyvesant H.S., NYC and he received his BBA from Pace University, NYC. He had a long career at Lever Brothers Company, 390 Park Avenue NYC, retiring in 1984. Positions included Sr. Accountant, Capital Assets Accounting Supervisor, Comptroller and finally Accounting Manager of the Production Staff.
Captain Edward A. Magdits was a decorated World War II veteran who proudly served our country. Always interested in music, he joined the National Guard at the age of 17, while still in HS, to serve his newly adopted country and also play the clarinet and trumpet in the Army band. During training the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and he was transferred to active duty in the anti-aircraft artillery battalion. He became a part of the army's 212th Coast Artillery. He then went to Officers Candidate School and became a 2nd Lieutenant. His ability to converse so fluently in his native tongue, made him uniquely suited for this position. He served under General Matthew Ridgway and then General James "Jumping Jim" Gavin during his service as a paratrooper and a prison of war interrogator with the famed and legendary 82nd Airborne Division. He made 21 jumps altogether, four of them in combat. One on D Day into St. Mere Eglise. He retired as a Captain after six and a half years of service. He was awarded the combat infantry badge, the parachute badge, the bronze arrowhead, three bronze campaign stars and three purple hearts.
Ed cherished his family and was especially proud of his grandson. He loved to travel, dance, play the clarinet, exercise and listen to good music. He had many amazing war experiences and enjoyed relaying his many stories. He loved animals and volunteered his time for their benefit.
Besides his wife, Florence, of 69 years, Edward leaves his daughter Lynda Megura and her husband Jim. His grandson Matthew and his wife Courtney. His son Edward R. Magdits, predeceased him in 1989. He was also predeceased by his sister Ann.

Memorials: Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Cemetery: Gate of Heaven

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10: 00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury. Burial will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held Thursday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St. North, Southbury, CT.