Obituary of Edward V. Danberry

Ed resided in Watchung, New Jersey, and is survived by his wife, Maria, son Ethan and wife Joanne of Brentwood, CA, son Seth and wife June of Jersey City, New Jersey, and his six grandchildren Luke, Ronan, Araminta, Brixton, Bishop and Booker. He was born and raised in Raritan, NJ, and graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 1966. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in finance, graduating in 1978 from Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO. Ed proudly served in the US Army from 1967-1969 with the 2/67th Armored Division and was a disabled veteran. Ed has held high-level positions in aviation including time with Air California, Continental Airlines and Texas International and in industry with Johns-Manville Corporation. He was an accomplished senior executive and board member with over 40 years of success. He was CEO of Group One Investments, LLC, a holding company that was formed to consolidate the numerous companies that were started in 1988 with his partner and loyal friend, Ronald DeLucia. Group One operates numerous companies in aviation, facility maintenance services/construction, transportation, security, consulting and computer technology. His experience encompassed many facets of the business world including banking, finance, marketing and sales, operations and distribution management. In addition to the service businesses, Group One distributes and markets numerous products through its subsidiaries and joint ventures. Never forgetting his roots, Ed organized and sponsored the “Dinner for the Generals” who attended Raritan’s annual Basilone Parade honoring Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Gunnery SGT John Basilone. He donated the Navy Cross plaque and provided for the base and rock for mounting the plaque located adjacent to the Basilone statue. Committed to serving and honoring veterans, Ed donated flags memorializing all of Raritan’s soldiers who were killed in action and donated a memorial displayed at Bridgewater-Raritan High School honoring a fallen classmate, Ken Frech, killed in action in Vietnam. He also worked with BRHS to place a memorial outside the library honoring alumni who lost their lives in service to our Country. Ed funded the project at the Boro of Raritan Admnistration Building recognizing those KIA’s from Raritan who lost their lives in active duty. He helped Raritan to recognize the loss of one of its own, Dennis Crane, who lost his life in Vietnam. This past year alone Ed has been presented with the following accolades: 2019 Community Partners award by MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity food pantries in Essex County) for his donation of a bus called the “Green Bean” which they use to transport food to the needy and serving 19 food banks. He was recognized for his generosity and support of the Table of Hope in Morristown by donating a bus and HVAC system for the Bethel AME Church in Morristown, NJ. He was recognized by the City of Wayne, NJ, City Council for support of Small Business and Military and donations of Christmas gifts for children. He was recognized by the Garden Clubs of NJ for contributions and support. He was responsible for donations to various charities in the range of $200,000 given either through CDP (Civic Duty Partners) or given directly to the charities. Ed served on, was a member of, or actively participated in the following organizations, among many others: Heart 9/11 – Board member Civic Duty Partners, Inc. – Board member UNICO – Raritan Valley Chapter (founding member) NIAF – National Italian American Foundation Heroes on the Water – NJ Chapter Rebuilding Warriors Conserve Wildlife of NJ Raptor Trust In summary, Ed Danberry was a kind and generous man. His passion to honor and serve the American veteran and soldier is an inspiration to all that knew him. Ed was a true hero and will be missed by many.