Eric Paul Decoteau

AGAWAM

Eric Paul Decoteau, 28, of Agawam, beloved son of Ronald Decoteau and Cheryl (Crevier) Wiblyi, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Eric was born on February 11, 1992. He grew up in East Longmeadow, MA and was educated through the East Longmeadow school system. Through his school years and the great neighborhood friends, he learned about caring for people and discovered what friendship truly meant.

Eric was involved in gymnastics and youth football at a young age. He loved skateboarding, riding BMX bikes (including Friday night races in Westfield), and playing video games. Eric actually met one of his best friends through video games and they continued to be friends for about 14 years. Eric had many pets throughout his entire life. He always had a special love for animals, especially his most recent rescue dog, Damon.

After graduation from East Longmeadow High School, he held a number of jobs over the years including the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) where he worked with students as a Classroom Assistant. He was known as “Mr. E”. Eric had a love of helping students and a talent of listening to them so they felt heard. At the graduation of one student, the student’s mom approached Eric and told him what a difference he had truly made in her son’s life. She was glad that he was there and was someone her son could speak to without judgement. Another student said Mr. E was one of a kind. Mr. E was such a role model and helped guide this student and was beyond kind. The student and his mom will always remember his compassion and love for what he did.

Eric had a heart of gold and would help anyone he could. One day, he spoke with a kid at Dunkin about skating. The young man wanted to skate again but was unable to afford a new board. Eric grabbed one from his backseat and handed it to him and told him to have fun with it. Eric recently began skateboarding again and impressed a couple of teenagers with his skating skills. Eric took the time to show them how to do all sorts of skating tricks and gave them tips.

Eric was an amazing and fun uncle to Kaden, Austin, Keira, and Vander. They will miss him tremendously.

Eric is survived by the love of his life of 7 years, Brittany Felton (and rescue pup, Damon), his parents Ronald Decoteau and companion Tracy Dowd, his mother Cheryl Wiblyi and step-father Jack, his sister Danielle Dumont and her husband Paul. His nephews Kaden, Austin, and Vander and niece Kiera. His grandparents Roland and Dorothy (Camarotti) Crevier. Eric also leaves behind a large, loving family of aunt, uncles, and cousins, including Brittany’s family who loved Eric as their own.  He also leaves behind his step-sisters Jennifer Bell and her husband Kevin and Elizabeth Wiblyi and step-brother Casey Wiblyi. Eric also leaves behind many lifelong friends including Zac Hutchins of East Longmeadow and Philip Landon of Texas, and countless friends he made over the years. Eric was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Raymond and Claire (Racette) Decoteau and stepbrother Bo Wiblyi.

Eric touched so many lives and made a positive impact on each. His family is proud of the man he became and all his talents. Never to be forgotten, Eric, a bright, fun-loving, adventurous young man with a smile for everyone will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 11 from 4:30PM-6:00PM followed by a service for family and close friends at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Eric Decoteau Memorial Fund at https://gofund.me/7bf0e84c in honor of Eric’s memory.

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