Daniel J. Edwards
Daniel J. Edwards, retired computer scientist and early computer pioneer passed away peacefully Monday Jan 27, 2025 close to his home in Troutville, Virginia.
Born on September 4, 1937 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Dan was the eldest of seven children. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Cincinnati and Shaker Heights, Ohio. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts and raised his family with his dearest wife Joyce Corum Edwards near Annapolis, Maryland. He is survived by his sisters Barbara Johnson, Carol Dawson, his brothers Charles Edwards and James Nindel-Edwards; his children Linda Swartwout, Bonnie Parry and Jonathan Edwards; his grandchildren Meredith Swartwout, Jenna Parry, Megan Myers, Brianna Marinucci, Rochelle Mastros, John Swartwout, Alice Parry, Ainsley Swartwout, Eliaden Edwards, and his great grandchild Lily Myers. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce Corum Edwards, sister Sandra Kalsey, and brother Richard Edwards.
Dan was a key contributor in many technical fields including the initial development work with John McCarthy that became the field of artificial intelligence, early automated computer storage management algorithms, computer security, and cryptography. Among his many accomplishments, he was recognized by the Smithsonian Institute for his contributions in the first video game "Space War" at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Artificial Intelligence Lab under the direction of Marvin Minsky, which showcased what was possible on an early computer system and inspired a culture of open collaboration; he was also credited with coining the term "Trojan Horse" to explain a well-known computer hacking exploit in the field of computer security; and his work in helping to define trusted computing security standards with the Department of Defense became the foundation for many later innovations in the secure computing landscape that we all rely upon today. He was an inspiration to many who never knew his name.
After their children were grown, Dan and Joyce moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina to work with Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of Linguistics out of the non-profit Jungle Aviation And Radio Service center. They traveled extensively living in Africa, China, and Thailand while Dan created tools to aid linguistic translators in tasks for unwritten language analysis, alphabet creation, character expression and classification.
Following their retirement from the mission field, Dan and Joyce lived with their daughter Linda and son-in-law Guy Swartwout and their family in New Castle and Troutville, Virginia. Dan was active in his church, Westminster Presbyterian, for many years, serving as an elder, and helping the audio-visual team with their online service streaming.
Always active with family life, 'Pa' was known for his sharp wit, his love of puns and unconventional insights to always bring a fresh analytical perspective and new life into any situation. His love, selflessness and generosity was boundless and an inspiration for many future generations.
Dan’s family would like to thank the staff of the Chaplick Memory Care Center at The Glebe, and Good Samaritan Hospice for their kind and attentive care.
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian, 2216 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24017, on February 15, 2025 at 11 AM.
