Arlingtonian Thomac ”Eric” Newman passed away Sunday evening January 27, 2008 at his home in Arlington, VA after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 59. Eric was a lifelong resident of Arlington, graduating from Wakefield High School in 1967. He was employed by the Safeway Food Chain for over 25 years. He was born in Washington D.C. and attended both St. Thomas More and St. Ann Catholic Churches. Eric leaves a host of loved ones behind including a large loving family and many friends. Eric is survived by his wife Nora, stepdaughter Reina and husband Quinn Masi, and their son Quinn Anthony. His parents Joseph and Doris Newman also of Arllington and si blings: Joseph Newman II and wife Brenda; Stephanie Hoster; Amy and husband Mike Ackard and Doris and husband Mark Martinez. Eric leaves many nieces and nephews. Friends may visit The MURPHY FUNERAL HOME OF ARLINGTON, 4510 Wilson Boulevard on Wednesday January 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a graveside service Thursday January 31 at 1 p.m. at Columbia Garden Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA.
I found out today that our neighbor, Eric, passed away 3 weeks ago and I never knew… I never even cared to go and ask. I feel like I took him for granted even though I knew he had lung cancer. Eric was a great guy and was one of the most friendly people I’ve ever met. There is still a note from him here asking us to call him… we never did.
I feel horrible today, I feel like I ignored a dying friend who cared about me more than I did about him. I don’t know if prayers can work retroactively, but I believe they can… I’ll be praying for him and for his wife that has survived him a lot.