Neil Edara

Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, Neil Edara, age 22, of Ridgewood, NJ, passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 24, 2025, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Neil, a Rutgers University pre-medical school student and a cadet in the United States Army ROTC, was participating in Land Navigation Training during Summer Training as part of the 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp.

Born in Staten Island, NY, on November 14, 2002, Neil was a loving, vivacious and curious child with a myriad of interests and hobbies. He earned a black belt in Taekwondo and enjoyed playing soccer, ice hockey, and running around with his cherished dog, Rex (now 13 years old). A devoted Boy Scout from ages 5 to 18, he achieved the rank of Life Scout—just shy of Eagle Scout.

Throughout his academic journey and extracurricular activities, Neil was admired and adored by his teachers, principals, and peers who remember him as being kind, compassionate, and respectful with a calm, quiet strength and deep integrity that left an indelible mark on the community.

Early on he made a commitment to serving his community through his involvement with the Ridgewood Emergency Services where he joined as a Special Operations technician and later as an emergency medical technician (“EMT”). Neil was inspired by his maternal grandfather, who served with distinction as a major general with the Indian Army.

At Rutgers, he majored in Biological Sciences with minors in Exercise Science and Military Science. He also played in the marching band, as he had done at Ridgewood High School. This August, Rutgers will be commemorating his graduation and awarding his degree posthumously. Neil had worked tirelessly to realize his dream of becoming a trauma surgeon in the United States Army.

Neil is survived by his parents, Dr. Srini Edara and Vara (Atluri) Edara, and his sister Nina Edara; his maternal grandparents, Maj. Gen. A.V. Rao (ret’d.) and Prema Atluri; his paternal grandparents, Venkateshwarlu Edara and Jhansi Edara; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

The Edara family has set up a fund in Neil’s memory, the Neil Edara Memorial Scholarship Fund, and plans to award scholarships on an annual basis through Ridgewood High School. Those who wish to contribute may do so via Zelle at varaedara@gmail.com or edara26@gmail.com, or mail a check payable to Dr. Srinivasa Edara and Ms. Vara Edara to 43 No. Pleasant Ave., Ridgewood NJ 07450. Donations are not tax-deductible.