He was the city's top administrator for 21 years and instrumental in developing Bicentennial Park, building City Hall and the city garage and establishing Gleason Park and the city's recreation center.
Born and raised in Kansas, Rich served in the Navy as a radar operator during the Korean War. He returned home, completed college under the G.I. Bill and received a degree in mechanical engineering management.
He came to Brevard County, Florida, in 1962 from Leavenworth, Kansas, with hopes of working in the aerospace industry. He worked several years for Martin Marietta as a chief engineer, served as an Indian Harbour Beach city councilman, and in 1972, was hired as the city's building official. He received an appointment to serve as city manager in 1974.
"Rich was most proud of the more than $1 million in grants that he obtained for the city for the City Hall building, W. Lansing Gleason Park and Bicentennial Park (Where his ashes were scattered and subsequently renamed Richard G. Edgeton Bicentennial Park), and for the many amenities enjoyed by its citizens, including the large community services building, the heated swimming pool and the Algonquin ball field complex", his wife, Elaine Edgeton said.
During an October testimonial and retirement dinner in his honor, Rich addressed the crowd. He thanked everyone and gave credit to those who helped him fulfill his vision for the city. "The thing that made it work all these years was a workable council," he said, noting with a smile that "I did get fired three times, but I was hired four times....I did the best I could. Whatever happens will happen."
He was later presented with the 1995 City Manager's Award for outstanding, dedicated service to the city, and a golden key to the city on behalf of all the residents of the city of Indian Harbour Beach. The fire department also named its newest pumper, Edgeton Engine 356, in his honor.
"He's left a legacy that will be here here forever," said Fred Fernez, chief of the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department. "I've been here for 19 years, and we've had an excellent working relationship the entire time. He was a tremendous person."
Edgeton enjoyed poker and bridge and restoring cars.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his sons, Bruce Edgeton of Gainesville, Florida, Brian Edgeton of Laughlin, Nevada, and Larry Budnick of Merritt Island, Florida; daughters, Sharon Budnick of Orlando, Florida and Cathy Budnick of Parker, Colorado; stepdaughter, Valerie Lucas of Atlanta; and twin brother, Robert Lee "Bob" Edgeton (LHS Class if 1951) of Huntsville, Alabama.
No calling hours are scheduled. A gathering of family and friends will be 9 a.m. Monday at Gleason Park. The family asks all participants to come without ties. Beach Funeral Home in Indian Harbour Beach is in charge of arrangements.
The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to the Harbor City Volunteer Ambulance Squad, 1131 S. Hickory St, Melbourne, Florida 32901 or to Indian Harbour Beach Volunteer Fire Department 216 Fourth Ave., Indialantic, Florida 32903.
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