Eric Alfred Strauss
March 1, 1959 ~ February 21, 2023 (age 63)
Obituary
Eric Alfred Strauss of Albuquerque, NM, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, after a long illness. His loving family was with him. He was the son of Fredrick and Edna Strauss, father of Erick Christian Strauss, and brother of Glenn Ernest Strauss, who all predeceased him. He leaves behind a devoted family: sisters, Karen Moya (Joseph), Wendy Dabney (Bruce); brothers, Stephen Strauss (Linda), Tracy Strauss (Gayle), Alfred Strauss (Barbara); nieces and nephews, Paul, Danny (Tina), Carla (Chase), Amanda (Jon), Ethan (Michelle), David (Maura), Sean, Ryan and Kelly; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. His bonds were particularly strong with Amanda and Jon's children, Micah, Ezra and Anica who loved him without reservation.
Born on March 1st, 1959 in Paterson, he lived and attended school in Hawthorne, and graduated Passaic County Tech. He worked as a machinist until a disabling car crash in 1985. He attended St. Paul's Church, Paterson, and Bethlehem Lutheran, Ridgewood prior to moving to Albuquerque in 1990.
He was a founding member of the American Standard Band, and its lead singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist. A highpoint for Eric and the Band was a gig at the legendary Gerde's Folk City, NYC in 1983. His love of music and performance sustained him throughout his life. He particularly favored Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor. He sang tenor in the Albuquerque Civic Chorus, as well as his churches' choirs. Despite his devastating injuries and lingering limitations after his crash, he managed to relearn guitar, keyboard, skiing and driving. Singing ameliorated his persistent speech deficits. He resumed oil painting, but switched from landscapes to animals, while making his own frames. An exception was a lovely copy he painted of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring for his sister Wendy, whom he said she resembled. He relished playing chess with his nieces and nephews, and fishing with them. He famously tried (unsuccessfully) to buy a large bass from Sean. Sean steadfastly insisted on releasing it even as Eric raised the offer repeatedly!
He moved with his mom to Albuquerque after his father's death. Together, they took up beekeeping. They embraced the rich culture and beauty of New Mexico, and formed many lasting friendships. They eventually moved into Karen and Joe's home. During his last 10 years, he lived at Veteran's Independent Living of Albuquerque (VILA).
The VILA allowed him to maintain his independence and provided him with increased care and support as he declined. We are especially thankful for caregivers Chris Cordova, Claire Velenti and Director Faye Jennings. It was Karen and Joe who devoted themselves to Eric's happiness and wellbeing, integrating him into their family's lives. For that, we will always be grateful. He remained a steadfast Lutheran, attending Trinity, Faith in Christ, and Cross of Hope Lutheran Churches as long as he was able.
Eric was often seen biking and walking in his neighborhood. He was always warmly welcomed at the Village Inn, Olive Garden and Garcia's Restaurant, where he indulged his love of Mexican food and seafood and maintained his lifetime membership in the Clean Plate Club.
Eric will be remembered for his strong will to live, his grit and perseverance in the face of true adversity, and his mostly sweet and loving disposition. To know Eric was to love him. He will truly be missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:
Veterans Independent Living of Albuquerque (VILA)
3900 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 8711
Albuquerque Services: Calvary Chapel Westside
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Visitation at 10:30 a.m., Service to follow
11:00 a.m.
Arrangements by FRENCH-Westside
NJ Services: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 340 Palasade Avenue, Garfield, NJ
Saturday, March 11,2023, Visitation at 10:00 a.m., Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements by C. C. Van Emburgh, Ridgewood