Eric James Tate1989 - 2022

Erk it’s Coopy. I want to thank you for being best friends with my brother, Mike aka Mike Nasty. You guys were friends since elementary school way back in the Notre Dame days. Although I was young I remember you guys playing video games, playing paintball, and drinking Bawls energy drinks by the caseload. I also remember you took a liking to abuelita’s fried rice. She would always make extra and set some aside for you.

I gave you the nickname Erk Nowitzki after NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, however the similarities do not translate beyond the name. Legend has it, when you played on the school team, you once shot the ball completely over the backboard, which lead me to wonder how you even made the team in the first place. But in typical Eric fashion you could just shrug it off, laugh at yourself, and keep playing. Being able to laugh at yourself and not take things too seriously is a gift. Especially with your laugh. You had one of those laughs that would make everyone else laugh. So goofy but so contagious.

Fast forward to when I was about 14, you and my bro were around 18 and in the house partying phase. I remember my parents had an inkling that you guys were throwing house parties whenever we were gone. So they pretended that we were going out of town for a basketball tournament of mine one weekend to test the theory. They brought me and my sister to see a movie and when we came back to the house, sure enough you guys had some people over, music on, and drinks flowing. And the biggest surprise, you had some girls over! The sting was a success and when my parents raided the house, you answered the door and just laughed and offered them a drink. I think my parents were more impressed than mad.

Finally when I was old enough to party as well I recall my brothers 21st bday. You drove down from out of state and brought my brother two 40oz beers. They do not sell those in FL so they were nice and warm when you arrived. You taped them to his hands, and he was Edward 40hands. He had to leave them taped to his hands until they were both empty. I’m afraid to ask you guys how he managed to use the restroom.

You guys always remained close through life even when you went to separate schools or lived in separate states. Video games was a big part of that. You guys always made me feel welcomed to play with you or party with you, and I never really got to thank you for that but it meant a lot. You could have easily treated me like the annoying little brother, but you never did. Not once. Even after I was an accomplice to the house party sting operation that got you guys caught red handed.

All jokes aside Eric, my brother was the happiest, best form of himself when he was with you. He even said you were the one that got him out of his shell and built his confidence enough to go to parties and talk to girls. And you were the wingman and pivotal piece to bring him and Rawan together. I’m glad we were able to visit you at the hospice and say our goodbyes but even more so little Mikey was able to meet you. We can’t wait to share stories, photos, and more about you with him one day.

You have so many best friends! Im jealous of the bonds you were able to create and maintain. But it makes sense, you always brought the best out of all of the people around you. I hope to emulate that as well.

On behalf of all the Russo’s, we love you and miss you Erk!