Eric Colberg, died suddenly at his Long Beach home on Oct. 6. He was 39.
Described by his friends and family as “funny,” “zany,” and “just a great guy,” Colberg worked as a bus driver for the City of Long Beach and was a bouncer at The Beach House on the West End.
“Eric liked to make people laugh,” said his brother, George. “He was the ultimate talker, he liked to entertain everyone … but he was a real family guy.”
Colberg grew up in Long Beach and attended St. Ignatius School and then Long Beach High School, graduating in 1988. He was active in sports, especially roller hockey, football and baseball, and has been acting on stage since this 8th grade.
“He was always the clown, and very outgoing,” said George.
Colberg was also known for his body art. “He loved his tattoos,” said George. “And his dogs, Dunkin and Donut.” Colberg’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were often featured on his Facebook page.
“When I think of Eric Colberg one word comes to mind — fun,” said Barbra Rubin-Perry, Island Park Chamber of Commerce president and fellow actor. “He was a trooper … all the hugs from all the people who loved him will never replace one bear hug from Eric. He was one of a kind, and to say he will be missed is an understatement.”
Colberg’s recent knee surgery was quite a challenge for the usually upbeat thespian, and he had another one scheduled. But, trooper that he is, he went onstage through the pain.
Besides his brother, George, Colberg is survived by his sister, Christine Messemer, his mother, Doris, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and five nieces and nephews: Sean, Emma, Michael, Nicole and Samantha; and many cousins. His father died in 2007.
“He was a wonderful, jovial person,” said fellow actor Marjorie Shapiro. “His sparkling personality, not to mention his great talent, will be sorely missed.”
Under “Religious Views” on Facebook, Colbert wrote, “I have to think there is a master plan … otherwise, what the hell are we doing here?”
He would have turned 40 years old on October 30.
Services:
Colberg was waked at Jordan's Funeral Home, 302 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY. On Thursday Oct. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Fri., Oct. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. (call (516) 431-2900 for more information). A mass will be held at St. Ignatius in Long Beach on Sat., Oct. 9 at 9:45 a.m. Burial will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Lindenhurst.
TRIBUTES
Naomi Kinalis:
I grew up with Eric in Long Beach... He used to chase me around the bus stop when we were little... and would even still just a couple of months back, claim me to be "his girl." I, like everyone else am devastated that this bright star has vanished from our lives.
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