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Eric Phillip Tolley, 40, died October 8th, 2021 in New Port Richey, Florida.
He was born in Waltham, Massachusetts and had been living in Florida at the time of his passing.
Eric graduated from Watertown High School, attended Bunker Hill College and received his classical music training at the Longy
School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he was Principal Bassist in the Youth Orchestra.
Eric had a joyful passion for all things music and was a skillful player of many instruments, most notably the upright bass. He loved to share his talents with young music students, teaching privately and volunteering at summer youth orchestra camps.
He will be especially remembered for his playing at rock and blues venues, and his jazz and orchestra performances.
Eric leaves behind his mother, Catarina Burkhard, and stepfather Dan Burkhard. He will also be missed by his many friends and relatives in Massachusetts and Florida.
A private Memorial Service will be held.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
Danielle - Friend
October 15, 2021, 12:26 am
My sincere condolences for your loss. I will always remember Eric’s beautiful smile, love for music, quick wit and huge heart. Rest In Peace
Darron Curran - Friend
October 16, 2021, 11:21 am
Bro u where my best friend u taught me so much I am lost if I can further more details, please.. god got Great kid and man at heart everything so talented,. Please watch over me cause this ain’t hitting me right u just called on the 24th… My condolences to his love he’s family… I will forever miss him..
Brian McCree
October 17, 2021, 12:21 pm
I’ve been thinking a lot about Eric after the news of his death. I can hardly put to words. He leaves me so strongly feeling his loss. Please know our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and Dan.
Michael (Mikey Boy) - Close Friend from Budapest
October 26, 2021, 9:35 am
Eric ❤ what a Unique Person. I came to meet him in Budapest, over 6 years ago a place I still Call home and for some 3 months Sarah and Eric we my family. Let’s say you cannot replicate his charisma , personality and heart which was made of Gold. He brought me out of a dark place which I was in, gave me board and we made a pact to be blood brothers for life. He showed me a hand when I had nowhere else to go, and I created memories with him which will last forever . Most of myself still thinks of those care free times, as it shaped me into the person I am today, allowing me to stand up on my feet and not be afraid of anything in life. A talented man, a close friend and a life partner I wish was still around to say hello and goodbye to. Egesegedre my dear Eric ♥ I will always think of those positive times. And to Sarah and Brayden who are left , with other loved ones by his resting spirit.
Meg Rooney - Lost Long Friend
October 30, 2021, 7:27 am
I have no words My birthday. Really.
Paul conrad - Friend
November 18, 2021, 9:48 pm
Eric. Was a great friend since childhood. He was so talented in life!
Brandy Ververs - Fiance
January 7, 2022, 2:48 am
Eric my Love as I always said you have the most beautiful soul out of anyone I’ve ever met. I am having hard time with your passing I Know you are at peace now I felt it as your soul left sitting by your side as always. I miss your smile, kiss, hugs, love, intelligence, strong character, playing guitar and most of all my most favorite sound your heartbeat . I will never forget you or stop loving you. I Love You and Miss you Eric Philip Tolley. At least you get to visit Brayden and be his guardian angel. R.I.P
James - Friend/brother
August 4, 2023, 1:10 am
I miss Eric every day.
Sarah Tolley - baby mama
March 27, 2024, 11:06 pm
I miss you. Our son is doing amazing. He is so bored in kindergarten. he gets insulted when they teach him stuff he already knows or clicks instantly. he can’t sit still like you. well, me too. you were worse tho. He loves rearranging his lego guys motorcycle into jet packs surf boards and different looking motor cycles. He has your charming smile and eyes. He impresses everyone with his physical strength balance and flexibility. I show him you play on the one video i have of you playing guitar which is not enough. I hope with connecting to your family I can gather more performances to show him. That’ll come with time. It hurts to much. been 2.5 years. I talked to your cousin today. he’s doing good. We know your guiding and doing a hell of a lot better in heaven then you did on earth. I’m divorcing my husband he never let me grieve you. jealous of a dead guy lol. I don’t think ill ever stop grieving you. I’m going to get Brayden into the center for Grieving Children. he wishes he got to love you. he thinks any guy i date is lame and not sticking around anyways. he knows ill never love them like I loved you. Oh and Mine and Braydens last name is finally yours. Sarah Rose Tolley and Brayden Logan Tolley
Sarah Tolley - Baby mama
October 3, 2024, 4:12 pm
We got hit hard with grief yesterday. This morning Brayden was up before me and I heard him laying on the floor talking and I said what are you doing hunny and he said I’m just talking to my dad. I’m happy he has you to talk to. I know your there. I also have a roomate with back problems and she reminds me of you and I hate that I finally have the means to support someone like her. If you were still alive it would be you. We miss you. The leaves changing reminds us of the time we lost you and finally had you near at the same time.