Eddie Watkins, Lovingly known as "Coach" was born on December 16th, 1951 was called home on Tuesday, April 14th, 2017.  At a young age and from the streets himself, Eddie founded the organization the Rising Stars in 1972 shortly after graduating Curtis High School in 1969. Over the past 40 years, the Rising Stars have brought multiethnic grassroots together in the pursuit of unity and fellowship. It was said that Eddie's "mixed teams" helped promote racial harmony on Staten Island. Eddie had a simple message, not only to "respect yourself, respect each other and victory will follow." as he often said but he himself used to say, and I quote "I, Edward Watkins had a mission - a goal to give the youth a place to gain confidence, self worth, and pride." 

Eddie used basketball as a vehicle to attract youth and from there taught very valuable life lessons both on and off the court. Not only was he the best basketball coach, he was also very active in his community with organizations such as the Staten Island Chapter of the Catholic Charities, and the New York Foundling Organization as well as helping families in the community through their difficult times. Eddie was such a beacon of hope throughout the community, Mayor Dinkins  appointed Eddie the Recreational Specialist of the New York City Parks Department. Eddie Watkins was a "Man's-man" and a father to everyone he came across. "Coach" knew basketball and at a very young age, he knew he had an ability to get through and reach everyone.

Eddie was preceded in death by his brothers Clinton, Antoni and David, his sister Priscilla and just this past year his daughter, Tiffany. Eddie leaves behind to cherish his memory his son Derek, brothers James, Mario and Eric, sisters Lisa, Cynthia, Robin and Annette, eight nieces, four nephews, twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild along with a host of friends and extended family through all of his work in the community.