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Ridgefield, Palisades Park Dr. Eyerman Had 'Big Heart, Magic Hands'

RIDGEFIELD, N.J. -- He had "a big heart and magic hands," said those who knew Dr. Edmund Eyerman, a compassionate healer, educator, musician, and civic leader who passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.

Dr. Edmund Eyerman

Dr. Edmund Eyerman

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Eyerman Family

In private practice for more than 40 years, the chiropractic physician also gave much of his life to the Ridgefield Board of Education -- 10 years of which were served as board president.

His strong interest in education arose from an earlier career as a special education teacher and musician.

As a board trustee, Eyerman led efforts to create an innovative magnet school program for students with special needs. Students both in and out of the district got the best available educational opportunities and services in one centralized location.

“Dr. Eyerman had one goal above all others and that was providing for the best education for the children,” former Ridgefield High School Principal Harvey Weiss said. “Some of my fondest memories of him are when he and his wife, Dianne, were with me as chaperones on band trips.”

His strong interest in music led Eyerman in the 1980s to revive and expand a dormant RHS band program that still thrives today.

“Dr. Eyerman’s influence is seen in the children of our community to this day with the program that he supported and cared so much for,” Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez said. “He was a tremendous public servant for the borough of Ridgefield and a great friend. He will be missed.”

Shortly after being graduated from what was then Jersey City State College, Dr. Eyerman went to work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in the city.

There he met Dianne, who was serving as an administrative assistant. She saw him perform on the local music circuit, where his band, The Flintstones, drew enthusiastic crowds.

Eyerman was an accomplished guitarist and pianist. He and Dianne wed to love, work, and music.

To further his medical education, the couple opened Doctor’s Deli in Ridgefield. Soon Eyerman was attending New York Chiropractic College.

“Everybody loved stopping by to visit them at the deli,” Ridgefield resident Don Uhl said. “Even at a young age everybody knew they would go on to become pillars in the community.”

The Eyermans had four children whom they inspired to serve others. Eldest son Lee is an attorney and educator. Brian also is an attorney who's active in the community. Luke is a highly sought-after physician known for patient care. Kelly is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

"Dr. Eyerman is remembered as someone who loved helping people," Uhl said. "We knew him as the doctor with a big heart and magic hands.”

Eyerman died Monday, Dec. 7. He was 73.

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