Eric F. Henrichs

Eric was born February 1, 1942 to the late Fred and Alfreda Henrichs. He was the oldest of two children and a proud native of Newark, NJ. His father, a skilled carpenter, built a new home in Union and moved the family there in 1952. From an early age, Eric learned to be a hard worker and had a passion for cars, baseball, and wrestling. Some of his childhood memories include long walks to school, meeting the NY Yankee legends of the 50s at a neighborhood friend's house, helping his dad, and taking care of his car.

After graduating from Union High School in 1960, Eric began a career at New Jersey Bell Telephone Company. In 1963, he took a leave of absence to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Farragut (DLG-6), a guided missile destroyer in the Atlantic fleet. Eric took the leadership skills learned from maintaining shipboard electronic weapons control systems to guide his entire life with discipline and patience. His wisdom encouraged all that knew him.

In 1967, Eric returned to a management career at the telephone company. Always being early to work and having perfect attendance for over 35 years made him proud. With Eric's competency and dependability, he had the privilege to direct on-site telephone operations for presidential visits with White House staff at Newark Airport for several years. After 43 years of working for Bell Atlantic, which ultimately became Verizon in 2000, he retired in 2003. In retirement, Eric continued an early morning routine driving for Country Club Limo, security at Baltusrol Golf Club, and driving the town commuter shuttle bus before retiring a second time in 2021. His work taught him many hands-on skills he used throughout life, which he proudly passed on to his children. Eric was highly organized, always a planner, and respected by all for his honesty.

Eric resided in Springfield, NJ for over 50 years, where he raised his family. A dedicated man at his core, he was a selfless yet strong protector to his family. The little things gave Eric the most happiness. He enjoyed time with his family, reading a good book, gardening in the yard, fishing, model trains, trips to the beach, and all the precious moments with his grandchildren. There was never a task he couldn't handle well. Eric's routine and sometimes innovative approach impressed everyone. He will be remembered most for his consistent loyalty and sincerity. Eric was considered a role model to many. Those that he influenced when faced with a difficult decision will continue to ask themselves "what would Eric do?" or "what would Dad do?" His life and legacy will always be with us.

Eric leaves behind the sweetest and most caring wife of 45 years, Diane Henrichs. He will be dearly missed by his four children Lara Henrichs, Eric Henrichs, Michael Henrichs and wife Nancy, and Helene Kachersky and husband David, and by his beloved grandchildren Emmett Henrichs, Owen and Andrew Kachersky, and Logan Henrichs. Eric is also survived by his brother Fred and his wife, Elise of Beverly, MA, a niece, Heidi and nephew, Ed Henrichs. Eric will be remembered by many extended family, friends, and two grandpups Luna and Molly.

The immediate family will gather for a private viewing and host a celebration of life at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the American Heart Association.