Memorial of Edward-Brandon Yao

Edward-Brandon Selom Yao, age 35, affectionately called King Edward, was born in Washington, DC on April 18, 1986 to Wisdom and Margaret Yao.  He joined brother Liam, who preceded him by two years.   After his parents moved to Bronx, New York Edward had his primary education at Our Saviour Lutheran School and continued for middle school at Saints Phillips and James both in Bronx, N.Y. For high school Edward attended boarding school at CFS, The School at Church Farm in Exton, Pennsylvania where he excelled at wrestling, track and field and where he was beloved by Ms. Claudia and the kitchen staff for his hard work during Sunday chores.

Edward continued to Lafayette College, in Easton, Pennsylvania from 2004-2008.  He received a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Law with a minor in Anthropology and Sociology. He was a member of the Greek Fraternity Delta Upsilon and a member of the Brothers of Lafayette. Edward actively participated in community service through the Landis Center for Community Engagement. His passion to provide college access and work in education blossomed with his on-campus job with the Lafayette Office of Admissions. 

Following college, Edward pursued multiple careers at various levels in education. He started as an admissions counselor at Gettysburg College where he mobilized volunteers to make congratulatory calls to incoming students, parents, and high school counselors, and touched the lives of senior staff by cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment for all. 

He was an Assistant Director of Admissions at New York University where he played a critical role in the selection and enrollment of the University’s prestigious DEANS and MLK scholars. At NYU, Edward led the initiative to prepare and develop future leaders by designing and administering the first weeklong NYC College Access Leadership Institute where he bridged the critical connection between his student mentees and the local communities. 

Edward capped the end of his career in education by working with the younger generation as a College Counselor at North Star Academy Charter School of Newark and Upper School Dean at Poly Prep Country Day School. At North Star, Edward mentored over 50 seniors, oversaw and supported all aspects of their college access process. He achieved a magnificent feat, ensuring 100% enrollment in top tier and best fit institutions for his students. Edward dedicated his early career to others and changed the lives of hundreds of students in the process. 

After his selfless career in education, it was time for Edward to shift the focus on himself. Edward always loved motorcycles and finally nurtured his love by joining the Empire Harley-Davidson family in 2019. He started as a service writer, and in true Edward fashion, absorbed everything and anything about motorcycles. He learned about the service and the sales. He welcomed everyone with his warm smile and sense of humor, always sharing his love and passion for motorcycling with his coworkers and prospective buyers.

Aside from his dedication to students and love of motorcycles, Edward lived to drink well, eat good food, travel the world, go hiking, and play poker. Edward loved a good cruise ship. Edward and his fiancé, Samira Fowler, took yearly trips to Virginia Beach. Edward would drive 99% of the way, almost all the time, of course. Together by themselves and with family and friends, he traveled to Ghana, California, Nevada, Grand Turks, St. Lucia, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Honduras, France, England, Morocco, and many more.

Edward’s bright smile, charismatic presence, unyielding friendship, and love of life will be sorely missed by his beloved parents, Wisdom and Margaret; brother and sister in law, Liam and Shanette; his nephews and niece, Logan, Landon, and Sophia; and cherished fiancé Samira Fowler.