Eric Soloff

Eric Soloff of Manhattan, New York, passed away tragically at the age of 63 on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Eric grew up in a home on the beach in Nissequogue, where his love for the water, beach and outdoors flourished. Long days spent waterskiing with his siblings in his youth eventually gave way to long distance solo swims up and down the length of the beach. He was always both the first and last to swim in any given season. It is both heartbreaking and comforting to know that even as he passed, he was doing what he loved best.

He attended college at the University of Michigan and spent time traveling in India and Israel after graduation before returning home to New York and obtaining his Masters in Education. Eric found his true calling in teaching, described by his students' parents as the “Michael Jordan” of second grade teachers. His talent and creativity transcended the classroom and were part of every aspect of his life and relationships with the people he loved.

Eric was a loving and devoted father, and was so proud of his sons, Zef, Jasper and Cassidy, who were the light of his life. He spent countless hours with them playing baseball in Central Park and frisbee on the beach. He encouraged them to pursue their individuality; he was their teacher, advocate and mentor.

His vitality, humor and intellectual curiosity will be missed by all who knew him. We will always remember his appreciation for art and music, and the joy he exuded when listening to talented musicians, not to mention his own talent in playing the guitar, singing, drawing and painting. We will be reminded of him by the color purple, the Vikings, the smell of a summer barbecue and the calm breeze as it blows off the sea.