Courtesey of Ray Priester and Drum Corps Planet:

 

A legend has passed. Eric died around noon today. He had been in hospice with Alzheimer's and suffered a heart attack last week.
 
His wake will be held on Wednesday, January 23 ONLY at:
 
C.C. VanEmburgh Funeral Home
306 E. Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07540
 
The hours are 2-4 and 7-9PM. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday evening.
 
Funeral Mass and burial will be held on Thursday
 
Eric could be a tyrant during HIS rehearsals but was, in actuality, a very gentle man. He was a player, instructor, arranger, mentor and inspiration to many drummers over the years and not only in the northeast but where ever there was rudimental drumming to be heard. Over the years he played for or taught the Kirk F&D Corps in Brooklyn, The Skyliners, The Sons of Liberty, The Reilly Raiders, Selden Cadets, St Rocco's Cadets, St Rita's Brassmen and many more. He won many individual snare competitions and constantly traded victories with folks like Bob Redican and Earl Sturtze. Frank Arsenault was probably in the mix at times too. He wrote and published many individual solos, which can still be found today. He was also quite an amateur photographer and developed and printed his own work.
I am very proud to have been one of his drummers and will cherish all memories of him. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
 
Ray Priester

More from Ray:
A legend has passed. Eric died around noon today. The information for his wake
is below and will be on Wednesday, January 23 ONLY. Scroll down for info.

It would be great if we had a group of you in uniform to stand honor guard at
the bier, on a rotating basis, for Wednesday night. I know we will have one or
two, but a few more would really be great.

Johnny Oddo was also asking about someone to play Taps at the service on
Wednesday night. St Rita's has also been asked. If you can be there, fine. If
not, that is OK too.

I'm really hoping that we can have a large group of Skyliners to pay our
respects to a man who was a very big part of the history of our corps, both as a
player and instructor. He also helped out with the Alumni corps in our early
years.
He will be missed very much. May he rest in peace.
 
Ray


His funeral arrangements are:

Funeral Home: CC Van Emburgh
306 E. Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-445-0344

Viewing:
Wednesday 2-4 in the afternoon
Wednesday 7-9 in the evening.
During the evening viewing,there will also be a memorial for him.

Burial:Thursday

Valleau Cemetary
Ridgewood, NJ
10:00 AM