Ignacio E. Edejer, Jr. - Obituary

gnacio Elamparo Edejer, Jr., age 74, of Fort Washington, Maryland passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 25, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Veronica dela Torre Edejer, his children, Ivette Edejer (Michael) Pray and Vernon (Jennifer) Edejer, and his four grandchildren, Danielle Lynn Edejer Pray, Michael Aaron Edejer Pray III, Jenalyse Edejer, and Vernon Edejer. Ignacio was the beloved son of Ignacio Edejer Sr. and Juanita Elamparo Edejer. He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy in 1968. During his 24 years of active duty, he served in the Vietnam War, was detailed to a mission that supported the landing of Apollo 11, worked at the United States University of Health and Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda MD, and his last ship assignment was to the USS Hunley in 1991. Before retiring from military service in 1993, Ignacio was chosen as the Command Chief of the Washington area while stationed at the Chief of Naval Research in Arlington, VA. Following his Navy career, he continued to serve his country working for the Department of Homeland Security (Immigration and Naturalization Services and the Transportation Security Administration) for 22 years. Ignacio was a selfless teacher and mentor, helping new shipmates just starting their Navy careers, providing guidance to those on their first trips to the United States, and counseling those who sought advice navigating through challenges in their lives. Ignacio enjoyed dancing, entertaining family and friends, and spontaneous getaways. He was an artist with a passion for building things. Ignacio was a devout follower of Christ, committed to his Catholic faith. His involvement with the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, American Legion, St. Columba Spirit of the Living God Charismatic Community, Disabled American Veterans and most recently, the Legion of Mary, demonstrated his devotion to serving God, family, and community. He played a pivotal role to his family and friends and will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 2 to 8 P.M. at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, March 3, 2022, 2:30 P.M. at The Basilica of Saint Mary in the Old Town historic district of Alexandria, Virginia, 310 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, Virginia. Live streaming will begin at 2:00 P.M. with the rosary lead by Legion of Mary. Please visit The Basilica of Saint Mary website (stmaryoldtown.org) to watch the event. The interment with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery will take place on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. Please meet at the Administration Building at 10:15 a.m. with one's own transportation and a government issued ID for anyone over the age of 16.