Edgar Davey Potillo Jr.

Edgar Davey Potillo Jr, affectionately known as Peck, was born on June 11, 1949 in White Plains, NY to the late Edgar Davey Potillo Sr (Peck) and Hilda Mitchell Potillo. He received his wings on April 14, 2026 after a lengthy illness.

Edgar was raised in the Winbrook Houses of White Plains, NY where extended families and life-long friendships were formed. He attended Mt Hope AME Zion in White Plains. He was educated in the White Plains and Valhalla school systems. He continued his education at DeVry Vocational School where he was certified in heat ventilation and air conditioning and received several certifications in building maintenance.

He held several positions during his career in New York at Con Edison, Reporter Dispatch and finally, retired from Yonkers Public Schools in 2015 after 25 years of service.

Peck developed his self-discipline, strong will, and both mental and physical strength through his dedication to Chinese martial arts, specifically Kung Fu and Tai Chi. These practices provided not only physical training but also a spiritual foundation rooted in focus, balance, and discipline. His training emphasized defense and control in personal combat rather than harm. Over more than 30 years of devoted practice, Ed earned the distinction of a fourth-degree black belt.

Master Mason Edgar was a dedicated member of the fraternal organization of Freemasons, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of New York, James H. Farrell Lodge No. 34. Their focus on charity, morality and self-improvement were the disciplines that formed his character.

Peck's greatest love was music. Born into a musical family where "EVERYONE" played an instrument passed down through generations, it was truly in his DNA. As a youth, he often disliked carrying that "big" bass around, but the discipline and encouragement from his father, Peck Sr. nurtured a lifelong passion for the instrument. Ed went on to play in several bands and groups, performing jazz, R&B, and gospel across many venues and churches. Music was not just something he did, it was a part of who he was, a gift he shared freely with those around him. It was at Messiah Baptist Church in Yonkers, NY where he met his soulmate, Michele. Their love blossomed through faith and music, and they were united in marriage in 2015, creating a bond rooted in devotion, companionship, and shared joy.

Edgar's memory will forever be etched in our hearts. He will be cherished and remembered by his devoted wife, Michele Potillo; daughters, Donna (Monnie) Jackson, Denise James, and Genette Destiny "Boogie" Potillo; and his beloved grandchildren, Roland Leonard, Jr., D'Onna Potillo, D'Shaya James, and Deijah Royster.

He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Glover, Helen Higgs, and Lauren Matthews (Haywood Sr.); his brother, Sherman Potillo (Terri); and his aunt, Roberta.

He leaves behind a host of loving nieces and nephews: Leann, Lisa, goddaughter/niece Leslie (Wade), Lynette, Maya, Makaila, Marlee, Hallie, Keith, Alex, and Haywood Jr.

Also cherishing his memory are the women who shared in his legacy through previous marriage and their children, Wendy Taylor and Sydney Potillo, along with countless cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family members, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his brother, Bernard D. Potillo Sr.; his aunt, Dorothy Young; and his nephews, Kevin Higgs and Bernard D. Potillo Jr.

Lovingly submitted by The Family