Saugerties, NY—Lewis M. Edwards, III died suddenly on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was born May 3, 1954 in Trenton, NJ, the son of Lewis and Jennie Edwards.

Mr. Edwards, a visionary and technical expert in his field, was employed by Lending Tree, LLC, Charlotte, NC, as a Software Architect/Developer at the time of his passing. During his tenure at Lending Tree, he spearheaded many different projects and initiatives that made a significant impact on the company. Prior to his role at Lending Tree, he was the Chief Technology Officer, Co-Founder, VP R &D Chairman, Principal Accounting Officer, and Principal Executive Officer at Image Technology Laboratories, Inc (ITL) where he developed ITL's Radiology Information System, including Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), and other related products. Lewis was also a consultant to Sensis Corp, where he designed a video board for FAA Secondary Surveillance Radar tester/simulator in 1993. He began his expansive career at IBM, where he ascended to the rank of Senior Technical Staff Member and earned numerous awards for his work, including Inventors of the Year Award, Outstanding Technical Achievement Award, and many others. Beyond his impressive technical expertise, he consistently brought a steady presence to every challenge, always digging in and turning the challenges into opportunities.

Outside of work, Lewis was a violinist and Board Member of the Mid-Hudson Community Orchestra at Dutchess Community College. He was an instrument rated Private Pilot/Owner, a member of Angel Flights Northeast with Homeland Security/TSA pilot credentials, and held the American Sailboat Association keelboat skipper certification. Lewis was appointed to the Town of Saugerties Economic Development Committee in 1996 and was a member of the NYS Assembly Hudson River Valley Economic Development Task Force. His educational background included Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science in the Post-Masters PD Study, a M.S. in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, graduating Magna cum laude, Eta Kappa Nu, from Princeton University. Lewis leaves behind his beloved family, including his wife Darlene, daughter Dara (Jeremy) and Granddaughter, Danica. Additionally, he is survived by his Mother and siblings, all of whom reside in New Jersey. He was pre-deceased by his Father, Lewis M. Edwards, II.

Lewis' greatest joy came from the time he spent with family and friends, especially his Granddaughter Danica, flying in his airplane or sailing his boat on the ocean in Maine. Private services for the immediate family will be held at Buono Funeral Service, Inc. in Saugerties. A Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mid-Hudson Community Orchestra.