FRANKLIN – Edwin Benkis, born September 22, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, was the son of Russian immigrants. His mother, Manya Benkis-Schmidt (Michael) was an accomplished concert pianist. Father Arvid Benkis, was a former soldier, vocalist, and pressman. Grandfather, Jacob Bermant (Celia), was a Brooklyn family doctor. Aunt Sophie Bermant-Heynick (Dave). Edwin is survived by twin cousins Richard Heynick and Susan Heynick-Washinton (David).
Edwin graduated from Peekskill High School, class of 1949. He received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from The State University of New York. In 1951, Edwin obtained his amateur radio license, W2HTI, and was a charter member of NJDXA, established in 1957.
Edwin was preceded in death by his wife Jean Cameron on December 20, 1974, and their son Andrew, on July 13, 2015.
Edwin passed from this life on June 4, 2021. W2HTI was “The Last Man Standing,” the record for most countries worked. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Eileen Morris-Leadbeater-Benkis. Eileen is also an accomplished licensed Ham, KO4DI. Together they owned and operated Uniform Plus, Inc. in Franklin, N.C., since 1988.
Also surviving are six children “one of each,” Donald Benkis (Elaine), Lynne Benkis and Jennifer Benkis (Robert Morrow); David Leadbeater (Gloria), Brian Leadbeater (Colleen), and Linda Leadbeater-Hoffart (Jerome). Eleven grandchildren, Christopher Benkis, Michelle Benkis-Clark (Ian); Declan, Hunter, and Nathaniel Morrow; Stephanie and Michael Leadbeater, Becky and Andrew (Cassy) Leadbeater, Allison and Nicholas Hoffart; four great-grandchildren, Lily and James Clark, and Colton and Chloe Leadbeater.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Agnus Chapel, 66 Church Street, Franklin, NC.
Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve Edwin’s family.