Edward Allan Molnar

Ed was born in Lorain, Ohio to Edward and Marian (Emerick) Molnar on August 31, 1946. As a youth, “Eddie” as most knew him, was active in the Hungarian Reformed United Church of Christ. He was a catcher on the baseball team at Admiral King High School in Lorain, Ohio and graduated in 1964. He went on to Ohio University earning his bachelor’s degree in 1968. In 1972, he earned his PhD in Theoretical Mathematics from his Beloved school, the Ohio State University (before it was THE Ohio State University). Ed retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel while in the Office of the Surgeon General. Early on in his military career, he served as a faculty member (mathematics) at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He later worked on the Strategic Defense Initiative at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and notably served as a pivotal member of the analysis that went into the Army’s first managed health care system. Post Army retirement, he continued to work with the Department of Defense as a civilian analyst.

Ed was a founding member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Ohio University, member of Phi Beta Kappa, and was a former president of the D.C. Area Phi Beta Kappa Association. He was also a member of the Pentagon Officers Athletic Center Board of Governors. He published the novel Shadows On A Mirror, a great personal achievement, which was featured on CSPAN’s Book TV. Ed was a proud member of the esteemed Cosmos Club in Washington D.C. where he was an avid bridge player. In addition to bridge, Ed was also passionate about mathematics, writing, antiques, classic films, and politics. Those closest to him knew he was a sports enthusiast, with roots in baseball and basketball (his father was a scout for the then Cleveland Indians). He loved to cheer on Ohio State teams (OSU football season ticket holder), the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Browns, and local teams like the Washington Nationals and Commanders, and Baltimore Orioles (though Cleveland teams trumped Washington teams when playing each other). Ed mostly enjoyed watching a “good game.”

Ed is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his dearly loved wife of 11 years, Chung Hee “Kim” Molnar of Alexandria, VA; his children’s mother, Fioldaliza Molnar of Patillas, Puerto Rico; daughters Amanda Molnar (Brad Goliber) of Albuquerque, NM, and Cynthia Byars (Ryan) of Lexington, KY; his step-daughter Linda Stedman (Neil) of Alexandria, VA; his brothers Gary (Denise) of Springfield, OH. and Jim (Judy) of Amherst, OH; his grandsons Cameron, Braxton, and Brady Byars; and his step-grandsons Jack and Beau Stedman; and his nieces and nephews (Christopher, Stephanie, Cory, and Megan).

A memorial service will be held from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Demaine Funeral Home, located at 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22151. All family, friends, and loved ones are welcome to attend and pay their respects and share their memories in celebration of Ed’s life and legacy. Ed will be laid to rest at Arlington National Memorial Cemetery in Arlington, VA with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ed’s honor to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (The James) or to Ohio State University Athletics.