In memory of Eric—-a cousin remembered with fondness


Growing up, I looked up to Eric almost as a big brother. He certainly was big—-I believe he was already over six feet tall when I first became aware of this first cousin—-the only one on my father's side of the family. He also had a reputation for brains—-which he lived up to—-achieving his dream to become an aeronautical engineer and landing a job with Boeing.

At age 68, memories are sometimes vague, if not downright unreliable, but I seem to remember a happy time together with Eric and his Mom, Tita Gene, and Tita Bon in Tokyo, where my father was a temporarily based as part of the staff of the Philippine Embassy. It was spring, sometime in the late 1950s, and we all enjoyed our first sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom at Ueno Park.

On many weekends, my Dad brought us to his Mom's home in Manila,  where Eric also resided with Tita Gene and Tita Bon. Lola Maria was a gentle presence and a wonderful cook.  From time to time, I still try to replicate her version of  poached chicken (manok na nilaga), one of the best I've ever tasted. I've never really recaptured all the nuances of that dish but I cherish it in my foodie databank—-a reminder of cozy Sundays with my father's family.

 After the death of Lola Maria, however, life changed and our paths started to diverge. My father also died while I was still in high school. Eric moved to the U.S.  and we did not meet again for a decade or so—-in Chicago, where Eric had settled with his wife Pat. I myself had  finished grad school and was into my second marriage at that time. Alas, this proved to be our last meeting in this life. Later communications were only by email—-as my husband and I pursued our careers, residing first in Philadelphia, then moving on to New York City for over thirty years and more recently and unexpectedly, Shanghai. 

Old age certainly is a time for reflection and reconsideration. I wish I had kept in closer touch with Eric. But I am happy to know that he enjoyed a full life, surrounded by a large, loving family. 

Noel and I are now retired and living in Florida. We join you all in remembering and honoring his life.

Marylis Sevilla-Gonzaga and J. Noel Gonzaga

Port Charlotte, Florida
November 2014

Sorry for the delay in responding. this is my foibles, unlike Eric, he is very adept in literary composition.  He is my go-to-guy in regards to Engineering, physics, trivia, guns, etc.  Unfortunately, he was called early by the Father, very early.  We got close in high school and college and also in retirement thru e-mail..Deepest symphathy, God bless

I miss you so much Dad.  I don't even know where to begin.  Your home with Mom is not the same without you.  When I visit I have so many good memories.  You were such a good and decent man.  I miss seeing your smile, our conversations, your guidance, your loving spirit, laughing at your weird jokes, seeing you dance around the living room, the kitchen or anywhere in the house and singing your favorite songs.  You and Mom were always so good to us kids and our families.  I wish I was there for you more.  I love you so much!  I'm glad that you are no longer suffering from your pain and I hope you are happy in heaven with Granny, Lola Bon and your good friends.  Thank you for being such a wonderful father.

I miss you Dad.  I'm going to write you from time to time. I know you're with me everyday. My heart is still broken. I wish for my memories of you to remain vibrant. I don't want my memories of you to ever fade away.  I love you. 
Yesterday, was a good day. It was your memorial. I think you would have been proud. We remembered and honored you.

Thank you for letting me know you even in a short span of time and letting me feel the love of a father, I know circumstances brought us apart though I am happy that until the end of your time Tita Pat and your children were there for you continually loving you, You are filled with joy now as you return to our Creator, Dad until my time comes , we will meet in heaven  - Erica

My dear Pat and Family,  
          Know that you always have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Eric. I know that there is little I can say to console you but please know that  my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I pray that God give you strength to see you through this tragic time. Please take care of yourselves.

Dear Pat and Family
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I'll always remember Uncle Eric and his positive and jovial spirit. As a child, it was such a great pleasure to see someone so happy and full of life. I will always cherish the times our families spent together. And along with you, Pat and your lovely ways and kindness, you and Uncle Eric made such a wonderful couple. Your combined love is seen in your beautiful family and the beautiful families they've created. You truly have been blessed and these blessings continue in each of you.  I feel very fortunate to have known, Uncle Eric. He made such a positive impression on me and what happiness is. 

Much love to you all,
Maria

To Pat, Patti, Edward and Jeannie, we grieve with you on the loss of our dearest cousin Eric. He was our closest relative in Seattle, WA. We will always cherish the time we spent together working for Boeing, parties with friends, with Tia Gening and Tia Bong, and classmates from De La Salle College. We will always remember the time playing poker, chess, billiard with Eddie Boy & Nardo Rubio in Hanover Park & Glendale Hts, IL. He introduced us to Candy Crush and competed as retirees. Eric, you were a great guy! We will miss you and hopefully see you someday with the rest of our families who departed ahead of us to Heaven. We will pray to God to console and bless Pat and family in the untimely loss of Eric. Eric we will always remember and love you! Until we meet again! Love from Lil, Tom & Francis

I will never forget what a beautiful person Uncle Eric is. I close my eyes and think if his big smile and huge heart and I feel happy. My family was truly lucky to have him and definitely wouldn't be where we are without his support and love. 

Thinking of everyone in the Mosquera family and sending our love, specially to our angel up above!

Dear Pat and Family,
There are no words to describe the sadness in all our hearts on Eric's early claim of his justly earned reward for living a wonderful life. Let us rejoice, however, as he joins Our Dear Lord in his eternal Kingdom. We can only ask of him to pray for us that someday, we, too can share God's everlasting Blessings with him in Heaven.
Nad & Mony

To dear Pat and children.....you had a good, moral and loving man all these beautiful years together and now the good Lord called him home, but Eric will always be with you and in our hearts.

To the beloved family of Mr. Eric Mosquera:
We share your loss of a deeply respected friend/family member.  So few times does a person of Eric's positive energy cross our paths.  We shall always cherish the love, laughs, and wisdom Eric shared with us.  Even though the birthday parties, holiday gatherings will not be the same; we know that we are better people because of him. He remains forever in our hearts. 

Respectfully,
Geoffrey & Rhonita Goulet and Family

Hi Daddy,
I love you so much.  I miss you tremendously.  My heart breaks a little each time I have a memory of you because it reminds me that you're not here. My heart also gets lighter knowing that you are with God again.  I miss seeing you everyday.  I miss your voice. 
I think of you everyday and quite often.  You were a loving, caring, and sweet father.  You have always been there for me during my triumphs and my failures.  You were my rock, my person I can count on for anything.  I just hope one day I can be 1/2 the parent you were to me.  
I'm happy you are in peace now.  I know I have a guardian angel watching over me and my family.  I love you DAD!  I can never say that enough.  You are truely one of a kind.  You're in my heart always and forever.  
Your loving daughter,
'Bean'

OBITUARIO

Eric Warren Mosquera

28 junio, 1944 – 25 septiembre, 2014

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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