Official Obituary of
Edward J. Altmann
July 8, 1943 ~ May 6, 2023 (age 79) 79 Years Old
Obituary
Edward J. Altmann (1943-2023): A Life of Service, Exploration, and Inspiration
On May 6, 2023, the world bid farewell to Edward Altmann, an unforgettable individual
whose legacy of love, curiosity, and outstanding achievements will continue to inspire
whose legacy of love, curiosity, and outstanding achievements will continue to inspire
those fortunate enough to have known him. He is preceded by his parents, Edward J.
Altmann and Hermine Altmann (nee Kemeny)
Altmann and Hermine Altmann (nee Kemeny)
Born in Hungary in 1943 , Edward experienced the hardships of World War II and its
aftermath as a young child. In 1952, he and his family immigrated to the United States,
sparking Ed's lifelong pursuit of education, service, and adventure.
aftermath as a young child. In 1952, he and his family immigrated to the United States,
sparking Ed's lifelong pursuit of education, service, and adventure.
Edward’s academic journey was marked by a commitment to learning and personal
growth. He graduated from St. Ignatius, Kent State, and John Carroll, where he was on
the chess team.
growth. He graduated from St. Ignatius, Kent State, and John Carroll, where he was on
the chess team.
In 1967, he began his military service as an architect and engineer in the Army Corps of
Engineers during the Vietnam War. Through unwavering dedication, he climbed the
Engineers during the Vietnam War. Through unwavering dedication, he climbed the
ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his distinguished
career, he served in multiple locations, including Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan, and
Desert Storm, leaving an indelible mark on the world and earning the respect of his
career, he served in multiple locations, including Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan, and
Desert Storm, leaving an indelible mark on the world and earning the respect of his
peers.
His expertise took him to 17 different countries, where he showcased his exceptional
skills and left behind a lasting legacy. Notably, he served as the project manager for the
skills and left behind a lasting legacy. Notably, he served as the project manager for the
iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, exemplifying his
commitment to cultural understanding and architectural excellence.
commitment to cultural understanding and architectural excellence.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed Altmann was a man of diverse passions.
He possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world, with a deep love for astronomy,
He possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world, with a deep love for astronomy,
archaeology, architecture, painting, Shakespeare, writing, and searching for beach glass.
Traveling to 48 countries, he immersed himself in various cultures, which he wrote
Traveling to 48 countries, he immersed himself in various cultures, which he wrote
about and shared with friends. His ability to adapt and bridge cultural gaps endeared
him to people from all walks of life.
him to people from all walks of life.
He had a joke for every occasion, making others smile and feel at ease. He always had
something interesting to talk about, from the wonders of the universe to the latest news
something interesting to talk about, from the wonders of the universe to the latest news
on captivating subjects, reflecting his intellectual depth and genuine interest in the lives
of others.
of others.
One of his favorite accomplishments was his work as project manager for the iconic
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His exceptional leadership
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His exceptional leadership
and expertise were instrumental in successfully completing this architectural
masterpiece, a testament to his visionary contributions in the field.
masterpiece, a testament to his visionary contributions in the field.
Throughout his career, Ed's work took him to 17 different countries, where he
showcased his exceptional skills and left behind a lasting legacy. From architectural
projects to military service, Ed's expertise and dedication made a significant impact on
showcased his exceptional skills and left behind a lasting legacy. From architectural
projects to military service, Ed's expertise and dedication made a significant impact on
infrastructure development and cultural understanding.
Ed Altmann's legacy as an architect, engineer, and dedicated volunteer at the Hungarian
Museum will forever inspire others to embrace their passions, foster cultural
appreciation, and pursue lifelong learning. His impact on the world will be fondly
remembered by those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Museum will forever inspire others to embrace their passions, foster cultural
appreciation, and pursue lifelong learning. His impact on the world will be fondly
remembered by those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Sadly, Ed Altmann's life was cut short due to cancer related to Agent Orange exposure.
His sacrifice and the challenges he faced serve as a reminder of the profound impact of
His sacrifice and the challenges he faced serve as a reminder of the profound impact of
war on those who serve. May his memory inspire ongoing efforts to support and care
for veterans affected by Agent Orange and other service-related illnesses.
for veterans affected by Agent Orange and other service-related illnesses.
A memorial service honoring Ed Altmann's extraordinary life and celebrating his
enduring legacy will take place on Thursday, May 25th from 6-8pm at
enduring legacy will take place on Thursday, May 25th from 6-8pm at
The Continental West, 3400 Wooster Rd., Rocky River.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/
Arrangements under the care of Cannon - Catavolos Funeral Home of Parma Heights.
For online tributes and condolences please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com
Services
Donations
Disabled American Veterans
Web: http://www.DAV.org/ways-to-give/
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