Eric Rossman Obituary

Eric Rossman died Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at Concord Hospital's ICU after an incredibly brave struggle fighting complications from cancer with the compassionate help of wonderful nurses, doctors, and friends.

Eric spent most of his life seeking a place where he felt he truly belonged. Thankfully he found that place in New Hampshire among friends who proved to be as close to him as the best of his family. He will be sorely missed by those friends, two of whom include David Ouellette and Robin Carlson and their children, Sam and Tess.

David was Eric's supervising colleague at the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD) in Concord, where Eric was the Projects Coordinator. Eric was a member of many committees that served those with developmental disabilities and coordinated many projects with David on their behalf. It was no surprise that Eric and David became more like family than friends or coworkers and that Eric found David's home to be akin to his true home.

Eric was honored by Governor Maggie Hassan at the Yellow Flag Ceremony on the Statehouse lawn Friday, September 12, 2014, in a very memorable tribute that few seldom receive thanks to all he did on behalf of those with DD.

Eric, himself, despite significant learning disabilities, earned a Masters Degree in Sociology thanks to his own perseverance, of which he had a far greater degree than most. Another dear friend that will miss Eric was his long-time friend of over 35 years, Connie Butscher of Laguna Niguel, Calif. Connie was one of the most stalwart and gracious friend in Eric's life. They spoke by phone weekly if not twice weekly; Connie could always get Eric to laugh heartily, which was always a beautiful sound to hear. Connie shares, "Eric cared and loved his friends deeply and never forgot a kindness." Others that will miss Eric are his dear brother, Bruce Marmy, in Sabinol, N.M, and many fine friends Eric made while living in New Mexico with his brother before coming to New Hampshire. His good friend and former wife, Chris Serrianne, of Syracuse, N.Y., will also miss Eric greatly. Chris was also always available to Eric by phone when he needed a friend or when he needed someone with the compassion and medical knowledge that Chris has. Eric had many fond memories of Chris as well as his many friends from his years spent living in Syracuse.

He was predeceased by his mother, Florence, and his father, Al, of New York.

Countless other friends and loved ones will miss Eric from New Hampshire to New York to New Mexico to California, including those who lived in his Boscawen Green community and with whom he worked in the DD community.

During Eric's free time, he could be found donating his time at NH Citizens Alliance, planting and harvesting garlic, taking rides to the New Hamphsire seaside, or walking with David during his lunchtimes at work. He had many fond memories of times spent at David's home, especially coordinating a Seder celebration, gardening, and preparing for several intimate gatherings. He loved the area libraries and spent much of his free time in them and browsing used book shops. He also loved watching the Red Sox and was thrilled when they won the World Series in 2013.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anti-Bullying Project Eric was most recently working on at NHCDD. Checks can be made out to "Opportunities Now" and mailed to NHCDD, 21 S. Fruit St., Suite 22, Concord NH 03301.

A memorial service is being organized by the NHCDD to which the public will be invited. Please watch for publicity about this upcoming tribute event.