Neal Eric Parrish, loving called Eric by family and friends, went to his heavenly home on September 15, 2021, surrounded by his mom and family.
Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on September 25, 1988, at 25 ½ weeks, weighing 1 pound 7 oz, he was in an incubator for 5 months. During those months, Eric was always pulling the IVs out of his head to where the nurses had to use his socks as mittens on his hands to prevent this. They even used his onesies as pajamas because he was so tiny that it fit him like a nightgown. Eric faced many challenges during his lifetime with Autism, but he took them on one by one and all in his own stride.
Eric migrated with his family to South Florida when he was 4 years old, they arrived on September 25th, which was his 5th birthday. From there, Eric attended and graduated from the Little Rascals Pre-School. He then attended elementary school at the Pembroke Lakes Academy and then middle school at Walter C. Young. He then went on to attend high school at Cooper City High.
After high school, Eric attended the Dan Marino Foundation for 3 years until he aged out. During those 3 years, Eric was accepted for their summer programs where he worked many different jobs including Marshalls, YMCA, stocking shelves at Walgreens and clerical clerk jobs. He also sorted and segregated at the Salvation Army. Eric was also taught how to handle cash, opening bank accounts including how to make deposits, withdrawals, balancing accounts and just overall how to do all financial aspects of life.
At the end of each summer program was a banquet hosted b Dan Marino to thank and give recognition to all the workers for their hard work during the summer. Eric even got to meet Dan Marino at these banquets.
Eric absolutely loved his tape recorder and music in general. He also loved and mastered computers, every level of Mario and PacMan. He loved to sing Hey Jesse and loved to be called Hoy. But most of all, Eric loved to worship his Lord!
On Thursday, September 9th, Eric was not feeling well and was rushed to Cleveland Clinic that night. While in ICU, he was diagnosed with Sarcoma cancer. Once again, Eric being the fighter that he is, fought the good fight for 6 days. His family then told him to rest and at 10:25pm on Wednesday, September 15th, which was his brother’s birthday, Eric peacefully passed away.
Today would have been Eric’s 33rd birthday. He leaves behind his mother, Dianne; brother Joshua; sister Brianna; grandmother Caryl; uncles Wayne, Steve and Sean; and numerous cousins, family and friends.
Eric, you fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith and now you are at your heavenly home, and you are at peace.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10am at New Life Assembly of God in Pembroke Pines, FL. All are welcomed to attend the services in person or via livestream on www.Facebook.com/NewLifePines
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