WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Ralph Leroy Edgar, a resident of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 5, 2026.
He was born on January 8, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Leroy Raymond Edgar and Marion Louise Fish. Ralph was the oldest of three siblings. He was preceded in death by his brother Bob (wife Merle), and is survived by his brother Richard (wife Cathy Jo). Ralph is also survived by his wife, Jane Cress Edgar.
Raised in Springfield, Pennsylvania, Ralph went on to graduate from Lake Forest College. He built a successful career as a real estate developer and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to improving the communities where he worked. In his later years, his development efforts helped change the landscape, most prevalently in Dixon, Illinois, and South Holland, Illinois. He took great pride in projects that strengthened neighborhoods and created places where people could live, work, and play.
Formerly a resident of Dixon, Illinois, most recently, Ralph made his home in Wrightsville Beach where he enjoyed the coastal lifestyle and the simple moments that mattered most. He especially loved spending time fishing, a pastime he cherished with his late brother Bob Edgar and friend Mike Maguth. Many hours were spent on the pier and on his boat, Stargazer, where he not only enjoyed the sport, but also met many a good friend along the way. Those moments reflected the quiet joys he appreciated—time with family, conversation, and the beauty of being outdoors.
Those who knew Ralph remember a man of determination, generosity, and steady character. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and loved ones.
Ralph is survived by his daughters, Jena (husband Matt McCall) Wendy (husband Tom Castonzo), and Heather (husband Tim Leonard), and his son, Jamie Edgar. He was so proud of his 12 grandchildren and would celebrate their success in college and life to anyone who would listen! And boy would he make them listen The McCall children, Kyle (wife Becca), Kevin (wife Jessica), Connor (wife Mari), Carter (wife Yasmin) and Courtney – The Castonzo Children, Danielle (husband Ryan Walsh), Jessica, Alexander – The Leonard Children, Kayleigh (husband Eli), Hannah (partner Mathew), Maddie, Josh. He also loved and celebrated having two wonderful great-granddaughters, Lily and Juliet McCall.
Over the past few years, Ralph has been well cared for by Patty Garrido, who along the way became like family, and a dear friend. And previously by his friend Lori Christie.
His presence, wisdom, and sense of humor will be remembered and deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his life.
In keeping with Ralph’s spirit, those who knew him are encouraged to celebrate his life by making someone’s day with a smile and hello, spending time fishing or outdoors with a friend, and simply living a life filled with love.
