Eric William Maska

Eric William Maska of Pendleton (Lockport), New York unexpectedly passed away at his home on August 29th, 2021 at the age of 52. He is survived by his wife Tammy; his six children Dillon (Melissa) Pinkham, Cassidy (Eric) Cox-Maher, Dalton (Kelsey) Maska, Jacob Cox (Bree Holler), Zachary Cox (Marayna Ferrari) and Timothy Michael Jr; and grandchildren Aiden, Riley, Rhyan, Evelyn, Elaina, and Delaney. He is also survived by his parents Gordon and Colleene Maska; siblings Kiersten (Larry) Ryndak, Meghan (Aaron) Goldyn, Jocelyn (Joseph) Baschnagel, Erin Maska Martin, Cailtlin (Enrique) Samson and James (Kerry) Maska; and several nieces and nephews.

Eric was born on June 15th, 1969 in Buffalo, New York.   He graduated high school from Starpoint CSD in 1987,  then went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in communications from Niagara University.   He worked as a letter carrier for USPS in Lockport for over 21 years and was also an on the job instructor for several years.   Eric made an incredible impact in the lives of his co-workers and customers.   He would always say “I know where they live” when talking about Lockport residents, which was always weird at the time, but is a quirk that will be missed forever.

Eric was the most hard-working, selfless family-man.   His favorite pastime was spending time with his family.  His grandchildren were the light of his life, and there was nothing he loved more than being Geep.  Eric never missed an opportunity to brag about his children and grandchildren,  Proud is an understatement.

Music, art, martial arts, and wine were his greatest passions. While in high school Eric was the lead guitarist and singer for the band Doc Young, and continued to perform as a solo artist in various local functions for many years. His dream was to be a rockstar and even recorded his own album. He may not have made it big in Nashville or Hollywood, but he was a rockstar amongst his family and friends. There was never an event where he wasn’t asked to sing and play his guitar. Art and drawing were hobbies and over the last few years he became known for his homemade woodworkings and signs. One of his favorite places was the liquor store and even made a custom blackboard for Five Points Wine & Spirits in Pendleton.

Eric practiced martial arts for over 20 years and earned his 4th degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and 3rd degree black belt in Judo and Jiu Jitsu. He was a Kenpo instructor for over 17 years and coached the Jiu Jitsu fighting team for 5 years. He was so proud to share that knowledge with all of his children. “Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit. What’s our goal? ‘Black belt excellence Sensei.’ “

Most of the greatest memories with Eric are nights spent just sitting on the porch or by the fire singing, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company. He loved a good conga line around the fire singing “Lift six foot, seven foot, eight foot, bunch!”  We are all going to miss having full conversations in just movie quotes and song lyrics, telling random stories, crazy dancing, and just pulling in the driveway to see him sitting on the porch wearing his hat and drinking a glass of wine.

Per his wishes, as a way to continue giving to others after his passing, Eric’s remains were donated for further anatomical studies and medical research at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

There are not enough words to explain the hole left in our hearts by Eric’s passing, however he was adamant that he did not want his loved ones to be sad, but to celebrate the life he lived.

His family will be present on  Friday,  September 10th, 2021 from 5:30 -6:30 PM at Immaculate Conception Church, 4671 Townline Road Ransomville, NY 1413, where Eric's Mass of Christian Burial will be celabrated at 6:30 PM, with a  reception to follow.

There will also be a Celebration of Life with details to be determined and announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to start a memorial fund in Eric’s name at the Lockport Post Office for a memorial plaque in the breakroom, and a scholarship for future Lockport Postal employees and college students pursuing careers in music, teaching, and/or communications.

Donations can be made via Robert Costa, Jenifer Voelker, or Vincent Ferro by: Visiting the Lockport Post Office at 138 East Avenue Lockport, NY 14094, or calling the Lockport Post Office at (716) 514-5004, Venmo @Robert-Costa-5.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

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