Eric Marcus Beraza

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Eric M. Beraza, who passed away peacefully in hospice care at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Eric’s life was a testament to strength, resilience, generosity, and devotion.

Born on March 7, 1934 in the Basque Country of Spain to a Basque father and a Cuban mother, Eric and his family emigrated to Cuba when he was young to escape the Spanish Civil War. The youngest of four children, he was raised with strong values of hard work and deep love for family.

Eric began his education at the Centro Asturiano in Havana and later attended the Catholic school of the Marist Brothers. From an early age, he worked alongside his father and, by age 15, was placed in the office of the family’s accountants, balancing work and night school with determination.

At 17, Eric was invited by the chairman of Wellco Enterprises to study footwear manufacturing in Waynesville, North Carolina. He quickly adapted to his new country, mastering English in just six months. There, he married Helen Cable, and together they had three children—two daughters and a son. Eric loved the mountains of Western North Carolina, returning often to visit throughout his life.

In 1955, Eric proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Kentucky and West Germany. Following his service, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen and continued his education, ultimately earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Over the course of his life, Eric lived and worked in seven countries and played a key role in establishing eight shoe manufacturing factories across the United States and the Caribbean. He was a dedicated professional, devoted father, and loyal friend. Of all the places he lived, he especially cherished his time in the Dominican Republic, where he met his wife and beloved partner, Libertad Beraza. During his several decades in the DR, he built meaningful friendships and was honored with a street bearing his name. The employees who had the privilege of working with him held him in the highest regard. Eric and his wife, Libertad, adopted their son, Moises, from the Dominican Republic—a source of great pride, joy, and love for the entire family.

Eric is survived by his loving and devoted partner and wife of 38 years, Libertad Beraza; his four children, Elaine Beraza (Dennis); Marcus Beraza (Jana); Suzan Beraza (Doug); and Moises Beraza. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren—Dianne, Kimberly, Rowan, Zachary, Lochlan, Dora, Michael, and Robert—and great-grandchildren, Connor, Brandon, Jeremy, Michael, Jacob and Asher. Two of his sisters, Maura and Isaura, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margo, and his beloved parents, Marcos and Emelina.

Eric also leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces, including Salvador—whom he raised like a son—and Anita, Alex, and Marquitos, all of whom shared many cherished moments with him over the years. We are so thankful that Eric is now at peace. We will always treasure the beautiful time that we shared.

Memorial remembrances will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to:

• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): https://www.lls.org/ways-to-give

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate