Obituary of Seymour Atwell Eggleston

Seymour Atwell “Zip” Eggleston

Webster: Zip Eggleston, age 94, passed away on July 11, 2018. He was born in Cooperstown, NY, the 5th of 8 children of J. Ward and Maria (Osborn) Eggleston. He grew up on a dairy and produce farm, excelled in football, baseball (All-State), basketball, the saxophone (All-State), and fished and trapped in his spare time. His Milford High School coach introduced him to Emily Rothwell, the new Home Economics teacher, and after a whirlwind courtship they were married - for 65 years. A graduate of Brockport State University (top of class) and Springfield College, he coached and taught at Greece Central School (‘49-‘57), then at Webster Central Schools (‘58-‘65). He introduced soccer, track, and volleyball to the high school and within a few years they were sectional champs! Known as a strict but fair coach, he was mentor to many young athletes, some of whom still kept in touch with him. Zip was Webster’s Director of Athletics from ‘65 until his retirement in 1975. An avid athlete, he competed in racquetball well into his 80’s. His annual fishing trips to northern Quebec with family and friends highlighted his summers for over 30 years.

He will be remembered for his positive, encouraging, and competitive nature, his love and dedication to his family, his great coaching, teaching, and leadership abilities, and his dedication to his church.

Zip was predeceased by his wife Emily (Rothwell) Eggleston, his granddaughter Sarah Eggleston, and five of his siblings. He is survived by his children, Jane Eggleston of Pittsford, Thomas (Kris) Eggleston of Hilton, and Nancy (Michael) Driscoll of Fairport, grandchildren Luke Eggleston, Niles (Meghan) Eggleston, Amanda Eggleston, Erin (George) Meskimen, Kenneth (Sarah) Driscoll, William (Mary) Driscoll,  Laura Hempel (Brandon Collins), Maria Eggleston, 10 great grandchildren, siblings James (Beverly) Eggleston and Marian (George) Brennan, and many nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Webster United Methodist Church, 169 East Main St., Webster, on Saturday, July 21 at 11AM with a luncheon to follow. Contributions in Zip’s name may be made to the Webster United Methodist Church and/or to Bloch Alumni Advancement Center in care of “Sarah Moriah Eggleston Endowment Fund”, 300 E. River Rd., Rochester, NY 14627.