Edward S. Seeley

Publication

Publication EDWARD S. SEELEY JR. Born December 9, 1932, died in Brooklyn April 3, 2013.

Ted passionately embraced life with his incredibly sharp and creative mind right up to the end of his life. Diagnosed with leukemia, he was sure, as was his usual optimistic way, that he would be cured. He didn't have time to be sick- he had several books he was writing.

Having studied at Cornell and the University of Southern California, his early adulthood was spent writing novels and filmmaking. He lived for some time in Europe and wrote a column of his reflections for the Brooklyn Heights Press.

Next he turned a hobby of model railroads and his abiding love of New York, along with a graduate degree in economics from Brooklyn College, into a career working for the New York City Department of Transportation. The work fascinated him. He used to say his business card read, "Specialist in Very Difficult Problems." His colleague, Joe Giglio, said, "Ed had consummate style and intellect that bettered everyone's performance."

Not only did he love his work, but also his wife, Julie. He traveled all the way to Hong Kong to meet her; a very wise choice. In their home on a Saturday one would find Ted at the computer writing books, Julie studying, five much loved and pampered cats draped around the room, and the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts filling the air.

A memorial mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, 414 E. 14th St, New York, 10009 on April 14, 2013 at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers we suggest a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice.

Published on NYTimes.com from April 10 to April 11, 2013