Eric Brown Kronholm

1965 - 2021

Mystic - Eric Brown Kronholm, 56, of Mystic, beloved father of Hanna, Colin and Marina, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital April 28, 2021. Eric was born Feb. 27, 1965, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford to Louise Bailey and Conrad Kronholm (deceased).

He was raised Westerly Terrace in Hartford, where he made many fond memories with his brothers, John and Justin, and sister, Bailey. Eric spent every summer in Groton Long Point, where his lifelong love of boating was born and flourished, fueled by countless hours spent operating large and small boats on Long Island Sound. He met some of his greatest friends there, including Andrew Heublein, Willy Sligh, Joe Letellier and the Nelson brothers- some of his most memorable days were those spent on the water with family and friends. Eric attended boarding school at The Rectory School in Pomfret and Kents Hill School in Maine. Kents Hill left a lifelong impact on him; he often spoke of wonderful memories on "The Hill" with close friends Stan Erdreich and Robert Pope. Many remember him with the Grateful Dead blasting from his room.

Eric met the love of his life, Laura Tremble, in Groton Long Point, and they had three children, Hanna, Colin and Marina. His most important role was being a Dad. The family loved their time together in Key West, the Cayman Islands, skiing, and on their family boat, Ripple. Eric also loved remodeling his antique house in Mystic, which he turned into a welcoming home for his family. He spent many happy hours on a multitude of projects with his childhood friend Scott Wallace in his garage workshop.

Eric was an accomplished Captain for Cross Sound Ferry Company for 24 years, holding Coast Guard Captain licenses for 1600 Ton Inland Master and Master of Towing. Eric enjoyed taking multitudes of passengers across the Sound to Long Island and Block Island, always ensuring they enjoyed the ride across his beloved waters. He also spent his time during the winter on the outer fringes of the Sound as a pilot boat captain, switching out crews from foreign freighters as they entered the Sound, bound for local ports. In 2001, Eric was recognized by the Coast Guard for saving the life of an individual whom he spotted floating in Long Island Sound during an evening return trip to New London. His keen eyes and sound judgement never failed him on the water.

Erics' love for life was inspiring; he loved to travel and to create lasting memories with family and friends - and to make many more friends along the way. He and his father, Conrad, were also best of friends; they enjoyed discussing art, business, and entrepreneurial projects over lunch, and our spirits are buoyed by the thought of them having lunch together today….

Eric is survived by his children, Hanna, Colin and Marina; and their mother, Laura Tremble; as well as his mother, Louise Bailey; his sister Bailey McGee; his brother John Kronholm and wife Mona Kronholm; his brother Justin Kronholm and wife Candace Kronholm; and his father's widow, Kathy Kronholm. Eric loved Laura's family like his own, and is survived by Laura's father, James E. Tremble; sisters, Suzy De'Labry, Katie Whitten and Marie Eck, and brother James P. Tremble, along with their spouses. He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews; many loving cousins; and his Godmother, Lorraine Guilmartin.

Every day that Eric spent on the water was a good day, and he was lucky enough to do so with many crew members that became lasting friends. John Skerry, Joel Nelson and Joe Fueger were like brothers to him, and they enjoyed many hours together on the bridge. We would like to thank the Wronowski Family for running an amazing company and always treating their employees like family.

Thank you, too, to the doctors and nurses at Yale New Haven Hospital, especially Nurse Jacob Norris, for caring for Eric during his final days. Your professionalism and kindness helped ease our feelings of helplessness and sorrow, and we are grateful for your guidance and dedication.

Details for a Mid-May Memorial Service will be posted on Social Media.

In lieu of flowers, an education scholarship fund has been set up for Eric's children. If you would like to support this fund, please send a donation to: "Eric Kronholm Children Education Fund" c/o Deasy & Moriarty, 86 Denison Ave, Mystic CT 06355 or https://gofund.me/1f164cc1.