Eric J. Liwanag

Eric Joseph Liwanag of Saugus, formerly of Melrose and San Francisco, passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2023 at the age of 51. He was born in Malden to Emilio and Myrna (Oreste) Liwanag on April 18, 1972.
Eric was a beloved member of many communities that looked to him as a leader, teacher, and mentor throughout every stage of his life. In 1986, he joined Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP), a Filipino cultural Sunday school, as a student. He graduated from Cheverus School in Malden in 1986, Pope John XXIII High School in Everett in 1990, and Boston College in 1994.
From a young age, Eric showed his passion and talent for music. He was an original member of the renowned Philippine string ensemble Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla of Boston, performing throughout North America, Europe, and the Philippines, and teaching generations of rondalla students. He was a founding member of the Heightsmen of Boston College, BC's only all-male a cappella group, serving as their Music Director. The Heightsmen still perform his a cappella arrangements today, more than 30 years later. After moving to San Francisco, he became the Music Director of San Francisco Harmony, a community a cappella group formed as part of the Urban Harmony Movement. It was there that he met his loving wife Joanna Salgado Liwanag.
Eric remained a constant in the Iskwelahang Pilipino community, forming IP Rondalla West along with some of his fellow IP alumni musicians who had moved to the West Coast. Upon returning to the Boston area in 2008, Eric took on the roles of Music Teacher, Rondalla Teacher, and Music Director/Conductor of the IP Caroling group, spreading his infectious joy and love for bringing people together to learn and create beautiful music. He has left an indelible mark in a cappella and rondalla music, inspiring musicians and music lovers from coast to coast.
While music was his heart's calling, Eric's career in sales took him all over the country with Addison Wesley/Pearson Education, BEA Systems, Autonomy, Actuate, IBM, and most recently Autodesk. It was at Autodesk in 2020 that he found his ideal professional role as a Deal Development Executive in sales operations, combining his decades of experience with his innate ability to teach and mentor his colleagues.
He was a lifelong, ardent supporter of Boston sports teams, and enjoyed cheering for the Patriots on Sunday mornings at the Red Jack Saloon when he lived in San Francisco. He loved the Red Sox, though was disappointed in them after they traded Mookie Betts. The Bruins and Celtics gave him the most wins in recent years, allowing him to go to sleep happy. The last game he attended in person was the New England Revolution's match against Austin FC in September.
A devoted and supportive family man, Eric leaves behind Joanna, his wife of 18 years; their children, Victoria, Emilio, and Marina; his parents, Emilio and Myrna; sisters, Myra and Melissa; brother-in-law, Paul Castro; niece, Amalia; in-laws, Alfredo and Maria Salgado; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition, Eric had numerous close friends that he considered family, and he was a brother, son, and godfather to many. Eric was a talented cook. His loved ones will miss the way he always chose the perfect dish to make to express how much he cared.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visitation on Tuesday, October 24, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at The Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 25, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, Herbert Street, Melrose, MA. Interment will be private.