Maryland

Maker of Legendary Lanham Christmas Display Dies After Cancer Battle

"I have a fantastic time with it," Ted Adelman said in December about his famous Christmas lights display

A Maryland man who created an over-the-top Christmas light display outside his home for 30 years has died.

Ted Adelman, of Lanham, died June 19, family friends said.

He told News4 in December that he would have a take a break from creating his annual Christmas display as he fought cancer.

"Five, six months ago, we found out that I have ... cancer, and it has wiped me out terribly," he said.

For decades, he had light-up reindeer on the roof, candy canes and gingerbread men all over the lawn, and rows and rows of lights.

"I go crazy for it. I have a fantastic time with it," the great-grandfather said.

When neighbors and people who grew up visiting the lights at Adelman's house heard he could not put up the lights last year, they sang Christmas carols outside his house on Christmas night.

"We asked, 'What can we do to honor him after many years of him doing something for all of us?'" Linda McDonald Hamlett said.

Adelman's obituary says he is survived by his wife of 32 years, eight children, 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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