On Monday, July 17, 2023, Edward Munday Armstrong (better known as “Ted”) left this Earth, leaving us with grand memories of marvelous piano performances – from classical to standards to limericks, from Joplin to Rachmanioff. He was 89.
Born in Reading, MA, Ted grew up in Hamden, CT with his late parents (Thomas Armstrong and Harriet Hastings Rosinus), his late brother (Thomas G Armstrong) and a variety of dogs. He graduated from Hamden High School and attended Colgate University, where he was a music major and the piano accompanist for the glee club. A joint concert with Elmira College’s glee club led him to meet his future wife, Connie Armstrong. They married and raised four children. During their long marriage they lived in five different states and in Paris, France. Together they welcomed four dogs into their lives: a basset hound, Markie; and three golden retrievers, Lexi, Paddington, and Chaucer. Connie sadly predeceased Ted in 2015, but in his heart, Ted remained devoted to his late wife and continued to carry a deep love for her.
Immediately after college graduation, Ted began a career with IBM that lasted 30 years. His clarity of thought, critical thinking, exceptional management style, and genuine interest in others, propelled him to many promotions. He took a two-year hiatus to serve in the US Army (when first child, Wendy, was born), and then returned to work in IBM’s New York office. The family lived in Hartsdale and Scarsdale, New York when three more children were born: Ted, Sarah, and Todd. IBM also stands for “I’ve been moved,” and so the family followed Ted’s career to Philadelphia, Chicago, back to New York, Paris (France), and finally, White Plains, NY.
Anyone who has met Ted would remark about his charm and keen conversational skills. Spend even more time with him, and his dry sense of humor would become evident. This man also had a unique way of communicating with animals – speaking “cronnies” (as he called it) while gritting his teeth, skills family and friends mimicked with delight! Ted possessed the finest presentation skills; whether at a wedding making a speech or at IBM describing the latest system, people were riveted. And he could speak French like a native!
Above all, he is best known for his piano playing. Beginning instruction at five years old, he immediately displayed innate talent. His repertoire grew to play some of the finest classical pieces performing in high school and in college. Throughout the rest of his life, he donated his time and skills to charity causes and entertained family, friends, and many guests while “tinkling the ivories” in the living room for all sorts of gatherings. Family members and friends can attest that his rendition of “Happy Birthday” was a gift gladly received each year.
He sure did love his family, which brought him no greater joy: four children, Wendy, Teddy, Sarah, Todd; 10 grandchildren; 3.5 great-grandchildren; various significant others; and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held in September 2023 in White Plains, where he lived for nearly 40 years.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Brighter Tomorrow for Africa: http://brighterafrica.org/make-a-donation
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