Earl V. Edris, born March 1, 1932, in Lebanon, PA, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, in Sun City, AZ. His remarkable 94 years were filled with adventure, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to his family, students, and community.

Earl’s early years were shaped by his service in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduating from Lebanon High School in 1950. Stationed in Portsmouth, VA, he served as an electrician aboard the USCG Lightship Chesapeake – a vessel now preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Through the opportunities offered by the GI Bill, Earl attended Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA for his undergraduate studies, and later earned his Master’s in Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

He began his distinguished teaching career at Hershey High School, Hershey, PA, before settling into a long and impactful tenure at York Suburban High School. There, as the school’s beloved physics teacher, Earl mentored and inspired generations of students for nearly three decades. Always passionate about learning and sharing knowledge, he did not simply teach—he shaped the lives and curiosities of those around him.

Earl’s life was defined by his many interests, boundless energy, and deep commitment to his loved ones. He always kept himself busy, whether with woodworking projects—ranging from elaborately turned bowls and custom furniture to bed frames for his grandchildren—or with adventures outdoors. An avid hiker and outdoorsman, he spent years hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail, ultimately traversing all 2,100 miles. At 62, he completed a rigorous same-day Rim-to-River hike at the Grand Canyon’s south rim. After retiring, Earl proudly hiked in every National and State park in Arizona, often taking his grandchildren along to share his love for nature.

Earl’s practical approach to life and fondness for quality were evident in both his work and leisure. He built his family’s dream home with his own hands on a lot in Mt. Gretna, PA—a place filled with memories of hiking, swimming, skating, and cherished family traditions like ice cream at the Jigger Shop and candlelit celebrations during Fourth of July. Not one to let an opportunity pass, Earl even turned the remains from excavating the house into a backyard red clay tennis court, where many games were played and lessons taught.

Earl had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting ventures such as Edris Racquet Services—which offered a full line of Fred Perry tennis gear—and Gretna Woodworking, where each handmade item bore his signature engraving. His talents extended to the tennis court as both a player and teacher, and he enjoyed a successful racquet restringing business. Later in life, he devoted himself to cultivating prize-winning roses, earning accolades at Sun City competitions.

Life’s adventures were a recurring theme for Earl. He relished cross-country journeys—whether visiting family in Mississippi with long, determined drives, or making a memorable motorcycle trip to California that included stops with children, grandchildren, and detours through National Parks. His love of travel was matched only by his love of cars and motorcycles. Earl’s enduring fondness for quality vehicles spanned from classic MGs and Jaguars to practical Saabs and, eventually, his well-loved Toyota Prius. With a restless explorer’s spirit, he later mapped out ambitious sailing adventures, like time spent guiding a 16-foot Oday sailboat on local lakes or planning every detail of a week-long charter on the Chesapeake Bay, undaunted even by weather’s challenges.

Earl was a lifelong learner, always eager to discover and teach others about the world around him. In his Arizona years, he led birding tours, conducted park tours, and actively participated in Sun City clubs. His landscaping skills beautified his surroundings, while his unique embrace of Arizona’s culture—complete with bollo ties and western wear—was a testament to his zest for life.

He is survived by his brother, Gerald Harry Edris; his sister, Kathleen Suzanne Edris Stanley; his sons, Earl V. Edris Jr. and Scott A. Edris; his daughters-in-law, Gwen Edris, Terry Edris, Linda McPoyle, and Linda Lebo Edris; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Wood Edris; his parents, Ernest and Ruth Edris; his brother, Paul Edris; his sister, Sylvia Edris; his son, Robert M. Edris; his daughter, Ann E. DiTommaso; and his son-in-law, Dean DiTommaso.

The Edris family invites all who knew Earl to join in honoring his memory at this time. Earl V. Edris will be remembered for his enduring curiosity, resourcefulness, and his devotion to family, education, and the natural world. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the trails he blazed—both literally and figuratively—and the love of learning and adventure he so generously shared.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand Canyon Conservatory.