We have lost a long time member of the assembly, John Thomas “Tom” Edelen, Sr. , age 93, of Chapel Hill, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2013. Tom was not only a strong advocate for the Knights, but a deeply religious man who loved the Rosary and made it his mission to repair the many rosaries of parishioners at no cost.  Read story

He was a World War II Navy veteran, who served in the South Pacific.  He was passionate about his country and an avid volunteer for the Republican party. He was also a founding member of the Durham chapter of SCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. He was an Honorable Elder of Kiwanis and a volunteer at the Eno River Association; instrumental in the re-building of the Mill at West Point on the Eno.

Tom was an active member of St.Thomas More Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved to tell stories, especially if he could make you laugh; he knew no strangers.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Chapel Hill, on Saturday, Dec 21, 2013, at 11:00 am.  Tom’s inurnment will be at he church columbariun immediately following the mass.

Military funeral honors will accompany the inurnment and all council and assembly knights are encouraged to attend.  Fourth Degree Knights will form for honors in social regalia (tuxedo and gold name badges).  Knights are asked to be at the church by 10:30 am.

We salute Tom Edelen as a Knight in Shining Armor for his faith, his church, and his community.