Eric Clark Mittereder

Eric Clark Mittereder, 38, "the Fridge", community development and tax attorney with a soul, formerly of Chicago's Logan Square, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024 at home in Oakland, California. He fought bravely during his battle with glioblastoma, maintaining his characteristic sunny spirit and good humor until the very end.
Raised in Santa Monica, CA and Rochester, NY, Eric graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School. He earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and his J.D. and L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. Eric specialized in using tax credits as a tool for community development and he was deeply proud of his work to build affordable housing, schools, health centers, and homeless shelters across the country. He retired at the end of 2022 as partner at Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen following his cancer diagnosis.
Extroverted and warmhearted, Eric created community everywhere he went. Every stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet. He maintained deep and meaningful friendships with people from all stages of his life. He also loved his large extended family and cherished his annual family reunions in Pennsylvania.
Eric met his best friend and future wife Alison their first weekend at college, and they were inseparable ever since. They spent lots of time goofing off and forming lifelong bonds with their fellow compatriots at The Georgetown Voice. Eric and Alison traveled extensively across the world, visiting a far-flung cadre of friends and forging new friendships along the way. Their shared love of good food and good company made them welcome guests and excellent hosts wherever they happened to be.
Eric loved live music and could never suppress the urge to dance with all his heart. If you were one of the lucky ones, you got to witness Eric's pure joy while wearing one of his delightfully outlandish concert outfits and boogying the night away. He combined his love of music and his type-A personality to become well known for his extensive and well-curated music playlists, including the annual "Eric Mittereder's Mid-Year Rater," for those who couldn't wait for the end of year best-in-music compilations.
A dedicated epicurean, Eric loved a culinary adventure and embodied the advice espoused by the late great Warren Zevon to "enjoy every sandwich." He was dedicated to researching restaurants everywhere he traveled, and always insisted on making the extra effort to go to the best places. He was nearly always right. Never one to stay still for long, Eric enjoyed traveling all over the world, but he held an extra special place in his heart for the gritty charm of Berlin and the tropical vibes of Palm Springs.
Devoted husband of nine years (and best friend and partner of nearly 20 years) to Alison Varley Gillis, cherished son of Richard Mittereder and Virginia Clark, loving brother of Philip Mittereder, and beloved son-in-law of Chester Gillis and Marie Varley Gillis. Adored nephew, cousin, friend, and colleague of many. Faithful companion of cats Digby and Winston.
Celebration of life Sunday, April 21, 12-4pm (service begins 1pm) at Stan Mansion, 2408 N. Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647.
Livestream: https://www.asimplestreaming.com/ecmittereder/
Memorial contributions may be made in Eric's name to: American Brain Tumor Association, https://give.abta.org/give/261975/?utm_source=Classy&utm_medium=webpage&utm_campaign=Main+ABTA+Classy+Donation+Page#!/donation/checkout or The American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550, Chicago, IL 60631
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com