Neil P. Edkins

Obituary of Neil P. Edkins

Neil P. Edkins, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 14, 1940, in Oneida, NY, to Charles and Adelaide (Case) Edkins, Neil graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and received Permanent New York State Certification in Physical Education.

Neil will be deeply missed by his wife and high school sweetheart, Phyllis (Tosti) Edkins. They shared 62 years of marriage, a true partnership built on love and dedication. He is also survived by his children Charles (Amy), Jodi Connell (Dennis), and Jennifer; his beloved grandchildren Christopher, Matty, Katy Goltschman (Keith), Betsy Adamshick (Shae), Kylie Puskovic (Ivan), Emily, Elizabeth, and Alexander; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Sandi Edkins, brother-in-law Jim Anno, and several nieces and nephews. Neil was predeceased by his brother Warren and sister Cindy Anno.

Neil and Phyllis moved to Henrietta in 1963 as the town and school district were expanding. Both were employed by the Rush-Henrietta School District, where they built their careers and community. Neil dedicated over 30 years as a physical educator and coach, retiring from the district in 1995. He was instrumental in shaping youth sports in Henrietta, particularly soccer, baseball, and basketball, and devoted his career to inspiring countless students and athletes to strive for excellence, embrace discipline, and believe in themselves both on and off the field.

A respected leader in Section V Athletics, Neil served as Safety Coordinator and Chairman of the Section V Sports Management Symposium. He was a Life Member of the Section V Boys Soccer Fraternity and was inducted into both the Section V and New York State Soccer Halls of Fame. A passionate soccer official, he was named NYSCOS Referee of the Year in 1996 and served as a high school and college soccer official assignor for many years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Neil's greatest joys were his family and time spent with his friends. He cherished being a husband, dad, and grandpa. He planned trips to Raquette Lake, creating cherished mountain memories with his children and grandchildren. He also took pride in tending to his rose and vegetable gardens, mowing his lawn and manning the grill. He continued his love of baseball by joining softball leagues in both Rochester and Florida.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, August 25 from 4 to 7 at Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday August 26, 11:00 at the funeral home, with interment to follow at Ascension Garden 1900 Pinnacle Rd, Henrietta.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his team of doctors Drs. Sloan, Zhang and Valencia; and caregivers Lisa, Dae and Kim. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare, 280 Calkins Road Rochester NY 14623 or to Misericordia University Cougar Club Attn: Athletics, 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612