Eric Wilcox
November 25, 2022
Eric Douglas Wilcox passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, in Ocala, Florida, at age 71 after an extended illness. He was born on March 9, 1951, and grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along with three siblings. He had particularly fond memories of his eleven years at Shady Hill School in Cambridge where he made lifelong friends. For many years, Eric worked as a sales engineer in the machine tool industry in Massachusetts and southern California before retiring to Ocala in 2016.
Eric loved music of all kinds and played drums with various bands and church groups. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and other charitable organizations, always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his sister Karen and brother Bruce, along with his extended family across three generations as well as friends across the country. They will cherish the memories of his hearty laugh and the good times spent together.
Eric was predeceased by his parents, Edward T. Wilcox and Maud E. Wilcox, and his older brother, Thor F. Wilcox. The family especially appreciates the love and support his good friends Adam and Georgette Maday have shown over these last years. The burial service will be private at the Wilcox family plot in Stonington, Connecticut
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Lots of great memories with Uncle Eric. I’ll be thinking of him in the days to come.
Shared many memories with Eric. As with any true friendship, there were some rough patches but always came out on the upside. Fondest memories were with helping him with his handyman business. He appreciated working together "turning a wreck into a work of art".
Rick was a fellow classmate at Shady Hill School and he stayed connected with many of us over the years, sending in news every year. The last time I saw him was at our 55th class reunion in June 2021, which we held via Zoom. Rick was honest about his struggles and he was valiant and steadfast in staying positive and in fighting the good fight. Thank you, Rick, for your warm heart. May you rest in peace.
Dear Karen and Bruce
Please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of Eric. He will always be Ricky to me. The memories from our childhoods on Francis Avenue are very dear to me and will remain so. Peace, Anna
So long, old friend. Rick and I were classmates at Shady Hill from kindergarten to 8th grade. We continued our friendship through our teenage years and beyond. I spent many nights staying over at his house on Francis Ave. Fondest memories are of staying up late, listening to records. Ricky, as we called him, loved music, and he was the drummer in my my first band, The Spektres. He continued playing drums throughout his life. Through all the challenges he faced in his life, I always saw him ready to take them on. Goodbye, and Godspeed.
I will miss you Eric I was one of your first friends here in Ocala. I will miss our talks and lunches. I use to clean for you before I had my stroke. I wish you peace I know you loved the Lord so there is no doubt we will meet again my friend. ✝️
This photo of Rick playing the drums is from Rick's 50th birthday, on March 9, 2001.
My gosh we got in a lot of trouble together back in our elementary school days, and played a lot of music together after that. I will miss you Eric.
Dear Eric, You will be missed!! Your positive disposition despite great challenges!! Your great rhythm and great dancing— your sense of humor, your determination and clarity despite all odds— May your spirit continue to inspire us all to go for what we want!!
Eric sitting in on the drums, on March 9, 2001.
I am so sad to receive the news of Ricky's death. Over the years since our childhood and adolescence I only saw him a handful of times, in brief and accidental encounters, but I would frequently think of him, remembering with a great affection the boy who with his awkward sweetness so charmed my parents and whose kind friendship was for us kids such a part of our life on Francis Avenue. His life would unfold with the ache of struggles and disappointments but I am touched and grateful to read of how his spirit of kindness and faithfulness persisted through to the end. Rest In peace, good soul, child of God.
Always smiling
My condolences to the family. I met Eric at Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA. Last spoke to him several months ago. He mentioned he was going through difficulties. Eric will be missed, especially his quick wit and sense of humor.