Eric Rock

Eric Rock, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025 from complications of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Born in Washington, DC on November 25, 1958, to Vincent Patrick and Alice Sylvia (Mortenson) Rock, Eric lived a life brimming with adventure, love, and dedication. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Jon.

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Christine (Marzullo), and his beloved daughter, Catherine Sylvia (11). He was a wonderful younger brother to Andy (Melanie) and Charlie (Susie); a caring son-in-law to Nancy and Peter (deceased) Marzullo; and a devoted brother-in-law to John (Karina) Marzullo and Alicia (Ben) Edwards. Eric was the proud uncle to Christopher (Raquel), Reza (Niki), Bilqis (Isaac) Howley Rock, Kerry and Alex Rock, Evan, Cara, and Dylan Edwards, and Ella Marzullo; and great-uncle to Ulysses and Sylvester Howley Rock and Remy Rock. He also leaves behind many cherished cousins and loyal friends whose lives he brightened.

Eric graduated from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business and earned his master's degree from Loyola University Maryland's Sellinger School of Business and Management. Over the course of his remarkable life, Eric thrived across various industries, excelling as a CPA, financial consultant, event producer, and marketing visionary.

In his early adult life, Eric lived in Baltimore and Washington DC, working as a CPA and advancing for a traveling summer theater. He produced his first national event to raise awareness for cancer survivors, undertaking a monumental 4,700-mile bicycle ride from Portland, Oregon, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The journey saw them traverse Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Appalachian Mountains, delivering over 200 interviews and speeches throughout their 90-day mission.

This led Eric to Atlanta, where he sold and produced international and domestic concert tours for choirs, bands, and orchestras. This eventually brought him to his role as Ceremonies Cast Coordinator for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, collaborating with exceptional talent in destination development within the global travel industry.

Next in his career, Eric partnered with a prominent Australian event producer to provide entertainment for the Torch Relay leading up to the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games. Shortly before the Olympics, Eric contributed as a Location Manager for Walt Disney Entertainment during the 2000 Super Bowl halftime show.

In 2001, Eric moved to New York City, acquiring and operating a Broadway Marketing firm with a legacy dating back to the early 20th century. He spearheaded efforts to modernize Broadway through digital marketing, forging partnerships with esteemed organizations including Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office, Hilton Hotels, VISA, and AAA. His work was instrumental in revitalizing tourism following both 9/11 and the 2008 Financial Crisis.

He dedicated himself to teaching sales, marketing, and tourism development at the City University of New York, pioneering hybrid learning formats to enhance accessibility and ease for students of all backgrounds. In his commitment to community service, he held leadership roles in two of the world's oldest speaker clubs. Eric was a 25-year volunteer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade which had become one of his favorite traditions.

In his early years in New York City, Eric discovered a summer haven on the beaches of Fire Island where his path intertwined with Christine's in a way that would shape the rest of his life. They married in 2011 and, in 2013, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Catherine. Eric was a hands-on dad from the beginning and enjoyed his role as caregiver. He was an active and dedicated member of the Marymount community, embracing his role.

Eric cultivated connections that resonated deeply, finding significance in each interaction, whether it lasted a fleeting moment or a lifetime. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he impacted and the boundless love he shared. Eric will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and NPR - links are below.

A gathering & visitation for Eric will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave, New York, New York 10028. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 122 East 88th Street, New York, NY 10128.