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Eric A. Stahlman Date of Birth: June 13, 1958 Department: Swaps Eric Stahlman…a true friend…family man…terrific husband and father…a good son and brother…generous until it hurt…sidesplitting funny man…huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Yankees, Giants and Islanders…lived life to its fullest. You didn’t have to know Eric Stahlman for more than 10 minutes to recognize that he was a very special and unique individual. A true friend… Growing up in Patchogue, Long Island, he was the ringleader of a group of friends that remained close friends for his lifetime. This past summer, he attended his 25th high school reunion. Many of his friends, who hadn’t seen him for a while, commented on how good he looked and how glad they had been to see him. And through college, adulthood and his career in the financial services industry, Eric kept adding to this growing community of friends. And, his friendships were strong and lasting because he was a true friend, a best buddy, in every way. He was that special kind of person that when you were with him, it was impossible not to have a good time. At the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the angel Clarence writes a note to George Bailey that says, “no man is a failure who has friends.” If that statement is true, then Eric Stahlman was one of the most successful people who ever lived. Family man…terrific husband and father…a good son and brother… Eric’s family was the premier joy of his life. His son, Jacob, is a small replica of his dad. And his daughter, Allison, has inherited her dad’s loving, caring traits. Eric and his beautiful wife, Blanca, had a loving and supportive relationship. Now their many friends are standing by her. It is easy to see how Eric’s parents influenced him. His mom, Renie, and dad, Sam, are smart, accomplished and caring people. Just this past year, Eric organized a 50th wedding anniversary party for his parents that was, by all accounts, a wonderful event attended by friends and family all over the country. Eric’s sister, Kathy, said that Eric as the best brother anyone could have wished for. Generous until it hurt… Eric was an extremely generous person. But what he gave out of his own wallet, which was considerable (it was always difficult to pick up any tab around him) paled in comparison to what he gave of his heart and his spirit. He cared about his family and friends and he showed it and it was genuine. Sidesplitting funny man… There was no one funnier than Eric. It was impossible to be around him and not laugh. And, if you could make him laugh, and really make him laugh hard, that was a reward in and of itself. He laughed so hard at times his friends thought they might have to call an ambulance. Not only was he a great joke teller (one evening in a bar in Grand Central, Eric had a joke-off with another friend and the two went head to head for nearly and hour without stopping and without a bad joke) but he also had a great improvisational wit. He was smart and he was aware of what was going on in the world. And he had a knack for seeing the humor in any situation. Huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Yankees, Giants and Islanders… After his grandparents, Jerry Gracias was probably the first person that Eric tried to meet upon his arrival in heaven. And Thurman Munson was probably the second. Lived life to its fullest… Eric did nothing in a small way. His wedding to Blanca in 1993, which he planned for and with his bride, was unbelievable. He and Blanca shared a beautiful home in Holmdel, NJ. He attended countless Yankee games, played zillions of rounds of golf, reveled in new restaurants, and spent years laughing with family and friends. Eric wouldn’t want his friends and family to be sad for very long. He would want us to live our lives, do as much as we can with our lives and have as much fun as we can while doing it. Is there any better way to honor Eric Adam Stahlman than to do just that?
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Eric Stahlman…a true friend…family man…terrific husband and father…a good son and brother…generous until it hurt…sidesplitting funny man…huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Yankees, Giants and Islanders…lived life to its fullest. You didn’t have to know Eric Stahlman for more than 10 minutes to recognize that he was a very special and unique individual.
A true friend…
Growing up in Patchogue, Long Island, he was the ringleader of a group of friends that remained close friends for his lifetime. This past summer, he attended his 25th high school reunion. Many of his friends, who hadn’t seen him for a while, commented on how good he looked and how glad they had been to see him.
And through college, adulthood and his career in the financial services industry, Eric kept adding to this growing community of friends. And, his friendships were strong and lasting because he was a true friend, a best buddy, in every way. He was that special kind of person that when you were with him, it was impossible not to have a good time.
At the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the angel Clarence writes a note to George Bailey that says, “no man is a failure who has friends.” If that statement is true, then Eric Stahlman was one of the most successful people who ever lived.
Family man…terrific husband and father…a good son and brother…
Eric’s family was the premier joy of his life. His son, Jacob, is a small replica of his dad. And his daughter, Allison, has inherited her dad’s loving, caring traits. Eric and his beautiful wife, Blanca, had a loving and supportive relationship. Now their many friends are standing by her.
It is easy to see how Eric’s parents influenced him. His mom, Renie, and dad, Sam, are smart, accomplished and caring people. Just this past year, Eric organized a 50th wedding anniversary party for his parents that was, by all accounts, a wonderful event attended by friends and family all over the country. Eric’s sister, Kathy, said that Eric as the best brother anyone could have wished for.
Generous until it hurt…
Eric was an extremely generous person. But what he gave out of his own wallet, which was considerable (it was always difficult to pick up any tab around him) paled in comparison to what he gave of his heart and his spirit. He cared about his family and friends and he showed it and it was genuine.
Sidesplitting funny man…
There was no one funnier than Eric. It was impossible to be around him and not laugh. And, if you could make him laugh, and really make him laugh hard, that was a reward in and of itself. He laughed so hard at times his friends thought they might have to call an ambulance.
Not only was he a great joke teller (one evening in a bar in Grand Central, Eric had a joke-off with another friend and the two went head to head for nearly and hour without stopping and without a bad joke) but he also had a great improvisational wit. He was smart and he was aware of what was going on in the world. And he had a knack for seeing the humor in any situation.
Huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Yankees, Giants and Islanders…
After his grandparents, Jerry Garcia was probably the first person that Eric tried to meet upon his arrival in heaven. And Thurman Munson was probably the second.
Lived life to its fullest…
Eric did nothing in a small way. His wedding to Blanca in 1993, which he planned for and with his bride, was unbelievable. He and Blanca shared a beautiful home in Holmdel, NJ. He attended countless Yankee games, played zillions of rounds of golf, reveled in new restaurants, and spent years laughing with family and friends.
Eric wouldn’t want his friends and family to be sad for very long. He would want us to live our lives, do as much as we can with our lives and have as much fun as we can while doing it. Is there any better way to honor Eric Adam Stahlman than to do just that?
Eric and I met in first grade and were the closest of friends from that day forward. We shared most of our formative life experiences together. He was a groomsman at my wedding and I was best man at his. I can’t look back at the memories of my own life without seeing Eric in almost every scene.
There are many things that I will remember about Eric, but two things strike me hardest as I write this. First, and foremost, he was the funniest person I have ever known. I never laughed harder with anyone else and probably never will. There are a million funny stories involving Eric, and the telling and retelling of those stories will keep him alive for me.
Secondly, he was a genuinely loving and caring guy. When I called him in May 2001 to tell him that my father had died, he broke down and cried on the phone. He was the only one of my friends who did that. And he called me every week afterwards just to see how I was doing. He visited my mother with his son Jake on September 1. I wish I had had the chance to tell him what that meant to me.
Eric and I were friends for 36 years and I will think of him every day for rest of my life. Like the sports stars we idolized as kids, Eric Stahlman was, and will always be, one of the all time greats.
Eric was an amazing friend! I spoke to him just about every day since the day that I met him in June of 1987. You had to Love this guy…anyone that came in contact with him did just that.
Damn, he was funny! He could tell me the same joke over and over and it was funnier each time he told it. He was even funny when he swung a golf club. I actually saw him hit a golf ball backward while swinging forward. We both fell on the ground laughing. He wasn’t a very good golfer, but he was the one guy you wanted on the golf course with you every time you went out to play a round. Something funny was bound to happen.
The last time I saw Eric was Sept. 1, 2001. I stopped by the beach club that he and his family belonged to in Seabright NJ and then we went to see Clarence Clemons play at the Stone Pony nightclub in Asbury Park. As luck would have it, Bruce Springsteen showed up to play a few songs. I have always been a big Bruce fan and Eric was always been a big Grateful Dead fan and he never really cared for Bruce’s music, but Eric would never miss an opportunity to be with his friends to have a good time.
Eric loved his children and his son Jake looks just like him. I am very thankful for that so I can always look at him and think of his dad….though it doesn’t take much for me to think of him anyhow….everyday!
I Miss you and Love you Eric! Have you told God the joke about…. I’m sure you must have him laughing…
ERIC-
YOU TRULY ARE ONE OF THE NICEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET – YOU ARE TRULY MISSED…WHEN YOU CALLED ME ON SEPTEMBER 10TH TO CONGRATULATE MY WIFE AND I ABOUT THE BIRTH OF OUR DAUGHTER, IM GLAD I GOT THE CHANCE TO TELL YOU WE NAMED HER AFTER YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, ALLISON.
YOU ARE THE BEST ERIC AND WHEN I THINK ABOUT YOU ON THE LONELY DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK IN THE CITY YOU KNOW MY TEARS ARE FOR YOU MY FRIEND.
LOVE, YOUR FRIEND, MIKE GARCIA
I’ve felt a profound pain losing Eric. Many have spoken of his wit, his generosity, his devotion to family and friends. What touched me was his humanity and decency. If you were his friend, he let you see his flaws and you loved him in spite of them and he loved you in spite of yours. His generous nature extended beyond his friends, to their friends. He unconditionally made anyone feel at home. My memories of Dead shows, Yankee games, birthdays and just hanging, will always be with me, but I am heartbroken they will never happen again.
Eric was a loyal son, husband, father and friend. His family was his number one priority. And once you became Eric’s friend, you remained his lifelong friend. His thoughtfulness was unsurpassed, and there are many personal stories of his generosity from the more than 700 attendees at his memorial service.
From his early years on, Eric was a regular Pied Piper, charming all who crossed his path with his insatiable wit. He inherited his love of laughter, kind heart and adventurous spirit from his parents, Renee and Sam, also members of his widespread “fan club.”
The Stahlman welcome mat was always out, signaling a gracious reception for visitors from near or far to his house or theirs. My favorite memories are of the times spent with Eric and his family. Eric’s wife, Blanca and children, Allison and Jacob, were his pride and joy. There was always a sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of them. I know he wants them to be brave and carry on his legacy. Family and friends will be comfort and support for them forever.
Eric, we love you, and you remain in our hearts and on our minds forever.
June 13, 2002
This is the first time in 22 years I have not been able to call Eric and wish him a Happy Birthday and it is very painful. I miss him so much. He was a true friend from the start and I just hope I was as good a friend to him as he was to me. I have so many memories of him from working together, sneaking out for drinks in the afternoon to St Maggie’s but being back in time to close, concerts, Giants, Yankees and just plain old hanging out having a good time. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him, at first I am sad but then I think of something he said or did and a smile comes to my face. Eric was the type of person you could not stay mad at. We had our share of arguments (especially when we worked together) but after he would say something that would make it all better again. I am glad that I was able to have as many years with Eric that I did, and he will always remain in my heart.
Happy Birthday baby! Hope you’re having a great party up there.
Love and miss you, Margaret
I found a kindred spirit in Eric when I met him in 1988. He always made me laugh regardless of the situation.(Even when we shouldn’t be laughing) He was a true friend and help me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When your heart was breaking, so was his. He was a lovely and gracious man. If you were the least bit good at anything, his response made you feel special, and gave you the impression that you were better than were. I will miss the banter and that contagious laugh. The Dead, Steely Dan, and “Fly Me to the Moon” will always make me think of you and the fun we had. I miss you and I wish you were here to see my first child. Kim
9/11/02 – It’s almost too hard to believe that a year has gone by since the day that Eric was taken from our lives. Not a single solitary day goes by without either of us thinking of him or mentioning him in some way. I now wear a bracelet which states “Eric A. Stahlman – WTC”…not that i needed a bracelet to remember him, but just so i can glance down at my wrist and think of him and all the good times we had together.
To hear his name announced (along with the other 2,800 names) this morning at the World Trade Center was chilling. I wouldn’t wish it upon any other family member or friend that just Eric would have been spared, but how i wish that he would have been sick that day or had a dentist’s appointment or just somewhere else to be.
We are at a loss….a year later… and just wanted Blanca, Allison, Jacob, Sam, Renee, Kathy, all of Eric’s family and friends and everyone who knew Eric that we do understand what you are going through as we still are attempting to get over that painful day and just wish he was here with us.
Eric – We Miss You Terribly and will Love You Forever. Sharon & Ted.
Eric I am sitting here Xmas day 2002 and just wanted you to know how much I miss you.A day does not go by that i dont think of you and how you affected everyone that had the pleasure and honor to be able to call you their friend.I pray for your family to have the strength and faith in god to get through these times.You will always be in my thoughts and forever bring a smile to my face when I m down. Till we meet again my friend.
Eric I am sitting here Xmas day 2002 and just wanted you to know how much I miss you. A day does not go by that I dont think of you and how you affected everyone that had the pleasure and honor to be able to call you their friend. I pray for your family to have the strength and faith in god to get through these times. You will always be in my thoughts and forever bring a smile to my face when I’m down. Till we meet again my friend.
At Harry’s wedding there were more groomsmen than bridesmaids, so Eric and I were announced into the reception together and entered the ballroom arm in arm. We thought it was pretty funny. It was a great time. I’ll miss you, buddy.
Dear Eric,
I think of you everyday. In a nutshell you were so much to so many and all that is good in this life. The one moment of our relationship that stands out in my mind was at my 40th birthday party. When I entered the room with about 75 people there you were the first person I saw. You walked towards me with open arms and gave me one of your trademark hugs. In which I responded with a kiss to the delight of all the room. We had so many laughs and great times and I will love you all the days of my life. Camille and I named our son after you he was born June 8 2002.
Until we meet again
Chris
6/13/03 – Happy 45th Birthday Bud! I’m heading out tonight to see “The Rocket” Roger Clemens attempt to win his 300th game at Yankee Stadium. I think he lost his last three outings just so he could win it on your birthday! Too-Tall and I will have a few cold ones and will be thinking about you tonight! Sure wish you could be with us!
Hi Eric. I’m sitting here on the eve of the second anniversary of September 11, 2001, looking at pictures of us in happier, more innocent times. Our high school graduation, summer days at Davis Park, various weddings and reunions. We had a lot of great times, mostly because you were a great time and a great friend. We all miss you a lot and talk about you all the time. I am listening to “Stella Blue,” through the headphones, paying you a quiet tribute tonight and remembering.
Eric,
I love you and miss you everyday.
Always
Chris
You would have been 46 yesterday. I wish I could give you a big “happy birthday” kiss on your beautiful bald head.
We miss you and think about you always.
Your buddy forever,
G
Hard to believe it has been three years since that tragic Tuesday morning. But no matter how many September 11 anniversaries roll by, we will never forget that day. And we will never forget you.
Hello Buddy:
4 years have now gone by since that tragic day. Meo, Spivak and I communicated about you, quite a bit, last week.
Your Mom sent me an e-mail informing me about a dedication of a memorial for all of the residents of Monmouth County who were taken from us. I was not able to attend, but did continue with our tradition of going to a park in South Plainfield, NJ and placed a few candles around the rim of the lake and sat and talked all about you.
Yesterday was a terrible day and each September 11th that passes does not help ease the pain of your loss.
I wore your “Blue Note” shirt yesterday as a tribute to you and thought about you the entire day. The NY Giant Football team won their home opener yesterday and I know for a fact that there were a few people there who had you in their hearts while attending the game.
You will NEVER be forgotten and We Love you Dearly!
Ted.
6/13/06 – Happy 48th Birthday, My Good Friend! As always, I Miss You Terribly and not one day goes by that you are not thought of, by me and many, many others!
This world will never be the same without you in it!
My Love and Birthday Wishes,
Ted
9/11/06 – What a terrible day it is today! Meo and I e-mailed each other and just cannot fathom this world without you in it. How is it possible that we haven’t spoken to you in 5 years?
I miss your laugh…….I miss your smile……I miss your jokes………I miss your friendship!
You will NEVER be forgotten Eric!
6/13/07 – Happy 49th Birthday Rocket Man! I just can’t believe you are not here to celebrate it! I hope Jerry wrote you a special song for your birthday! I Miss Ya Bud!
Hello My Friend,
I wrote to Meo & Spivak and Too-Tall and Cig today and shared that we were the Brothers that you never had. I could have written that to 10,000 of your friends (both men and women) who absolutely LOVE you! You were an AMAZING person Eric and though I’m sure many people feel the same way about many people they have lost as friends, you evoked ALL that was Terrific in a Friend and we “Thank You” for the years we had with you.
EVERYDAY you are thought of and EVERYDAY you are Sorely Missed!
We pray for Sam, Renee, Kathy, Blanca, Ally & Jacob and each of your family members today! They each know how special of a person you are and we will NEVER FORGET YOU……..Not EVER!
My Love Always,
Ted.
9/9/08
Seven Years! Seven Years that I have had to miss my friend. Seven Years where I have not been able to hear your laugh. Seven Years of my Heart being broken because you are not in my life! I sit here and “still” shake my head each time I must think about you not being here!
I was at the South Street Seaport recently and walked past the restaurant where Too-Tall introduced you to me in June of 1987. An overwhelming feeling came over me how much I miss you Eric!
I spoke to Blanca recently and it was so nice to get caught up with her. The kids seem to be growing up so quickly. So glad to hear that Jake is involved in Hockey!
Seven Years My Friend and you are thought of and missed – EVERY DAY!
Love,
Ted.
Another sad anniversary, but also an opportunity to remember you and the life we knew before September 11, 2001. Saw your mom and dad in July and they are doing great. Love you and miss you.
9/13/09
Eric,
I communicated with your Mom and Dad today. It was wonderful to hear from them. They shared a picture of Blanca, Ally & Jake with me. I shared it with Meo, Spivak, Frank, Dan, Too-Tall and many other friends of yours. It is amazing how much Jake looks like you……it was thrilling to see your beautiful face in his.
I shared a picture of you with everyone from the “Casino” restaurant from one of our vacations. You never stopped making us smile.
So many people Miss you and Love you Eric! I read all of the posts from acquaintances that only knew you for a brief time and the impact you had on them by meeting them even “Once” tells everything about you! YOU WERE AN AMAZING MAN AND FRIEND!
WE MISS YOU DAILY IN OUR LIVES!
MY LOVE TO YOU,
Ted!
ps. Meo said it was appropriate that Jeter broke Gehrig’s record on 9/11/09 and he was sure that would make you happy!
Eric,
We celebrated your 29th birthday at the South Street Seaport. What a fun time that was with Too-tall and the boys…..
I miss you on your 52nd birthday and will every birthday that you are not here to celebrate it with us….
You are missed “Daily” My Good Friend!!!
Eric,
Missing you never gets easier. It is a hole in my Heart that will never heal. I will be in Shanksville Pa this Saturday in honor of you and everyone that was taken from us so soon.
Blanca shared recent pictures of Ally & Jake with me. You would be SO PROUD of them as they would be of you.
You are never out of our thoughts and prayers – My Friend! WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
My Love Forever,
Ted.
Nine years and it is still hard to believe (and accept) that I can’t just pick up the phone and call you. The years roll by and, still, everything is a little less fun since you have been gone. I really miss you and think about you all the time.
Nine years and it is still hard to believe (and accept) that I can’t just pick up the phone and call you. The years roll by and, still, everything is a little less fun since you have been gone. I really miss you and think about you all the time.
Osama bin Laden killed in Pakistan by U.S. forces on May 1, 2011.
It’s been 10 years and I’m listening to the reading of the names, as I do every year, waiting for the S’s so I can hear your name. We had our 35th high school reunion this summer and we talked about you a lot – mostly good :). While today is a special day, every day that brings a memory of you is special. Even after 10 years and countless retellings, your jokes are still funny. We miss you, bro, and always will. PS – Yankees baseball will be played in October again this year. Yeah!
Eleven years later, I’m in Boston, and it’s another glorious September morning. Tributes will be made, names will read, and we’ll all remember the events of eleven years ago. But you’re in our hearts everyday, Eric; not just today.
9/11/12
Another Year……..Another thousand tears without you here with us, Eric. This world will NEVER be the same without you in it…..you left an indelible impact on so many people!
Spivak is in NYC today and e-mailed me saying what a strange feeling it was being in the city today and thinking of you. I went to a memorial service here in Whippany, NJ this morning. It just gets tougher each and every year not hearing your voice, laughter and the great conversations we had!
YOU ARE MISSED – ROCKET MAN!
MUCH LOVE & PRAYERS & FRIENDSHIP COMING YOUR WAY!
Seems like just yesterday that I walked down the aisle with you at Harry’s wedding.
9/10/13
I wrote an e-mail to your parents and Blanca yesterday sharing how our lives will never be the same without you. we can never be the people we want to be without you here with us, Eric! We go on and live our lives, but there will “always” be a piece of each one of us missing because you are not here to share it with.
I will be at a memorial service in Whippany NJ again this year thinking of you…..hearing your voice and laughter and simply missing my very good friend.
Much Love and Fond Remembrance,
Ted.
Twelve years later and I am in New York today thinking about you.
Eric
20 years , doesnt seem possible . I hope you and Jerry like the new band . Shows arent the same without either of you . Miss you … Billy
All of the 20th anniversary conversations have me thinking about you even more than usual…and every time I do, I hear your laugh and it makes me smile. So grateful you were my friend…