Eric was a beloved son and brother, a devoted friend, and a unique presence in the lives of those he touched. He is survived by his mother, Miriam Powell, née Riesner, of Ellicott City; his sister Kristen Monteleone, née Powell, of Covington, LA and her husband Michael; his half-brother Jeffrey Powell of Leesburg, VA, and his wife Geri Powell; his half-sisters Penni Powell of Bel Air, MD and Sharon Powell of Hanover, MD; and his nephews Chris Keeney of West Palm Beach, FL; Andrew Powell of Leesburg, VA; Ryan Powell of Sterling, VA; and Logan Powell of Hanover, MD. He was predeceased by his father, Barry Powell of Ellicott City, MD.
While his Muscular Dystrophy held him back at times, Eric was always ready to navigate an obstacle and have new experiences. He made new friends, explored new interests, and traveled without letting his challenges hold him back.
Eric attended Shippensburg University where he majored in marketing and made life-long friends. He had a good sense of humor and an infectious laugh that made a good drinking buddy and a fantastic opponent. He regularly obliterated family, friends, and strangers at Scrabble and Words with Friends and easily befriended those he beat at poker. He loved the Baltimore Orioles, despite their terrible record, and the emotional release of listening to heavy metal. There were few things he enjoyed more than eating and drinking, especially the new beers he tried and the hot sauce he collected.
Visitations will be held at Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc., at 5555 Twin Knolls Rd in Columbia, MD on Friday, July 24 from 2-4 pm and from 6-8 pm. (Due to gathering size limits there may be a wait to enter the building. Facemasks are required). A private service will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 2 pm for immediate family via invitation only. Those that wish to view the service are able to so on Zoom via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86776022908 or can listen at 301-715-8592 with meeting code 867 7602 2908#
In lieu of flowers, and in support of others who fight the challenges that Eric strove to overcome, the family asks for donations to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy at parentprojectmd.org.
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