Eric George Spokas

To live life well, you can't be afraid to live. You continuously learn: meeting new people, going to new places, trying new things. You honestly interpret what you've learned and ultimately grow while adapting within an ever-changing environment. It's what makes life exciting and much like a science experiment, which is probably why Eric George Spokas knew how to live well.
Eric was born May 31st, 1947 to Captain Bruno A. Spokas and Marion J. Nicholas in Miami Beach, Florida. He was the oldest child of six with two sisters and three brothers with whom he shared an unmatchable closeness. Growing up, his family traveled back and forth between Florida and New York, and he attended high school in Huntington, Long Island. Following high school, Eric obtained his bachelor's degree in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He later earned his PhD in Biochemical Pharmacology from Columbia University in New York, NY, with an emphasis in cardiovascular research. Science was indeed his passion, and his career was full of adventure. He worked both nationwide and internationally with other research scientists and built many professional bonds as well as friendships along the way. His research impacted many areas of the scientific community, and the importance of his career can be felt in our everyday lives. Eric always knew and understood the importance of the work he was doing; however, if there was ever a day where he wondered if he made a difference, he got his answer in the 1990's when his mother was hospitalized and treated with medicines he conducted research on. Eric's work was published in multiple scientific journals reflecting the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm he had for science.
When talking about Eric, it's impossible not to mention his love for science, but it's also impossible not to talk about his love for his family. He and his wife Paula met in his college years in Troy, NY. Introduced one weekend by Paula's sister, Eric and Paula dated for six years, writing love letters while pursuing their careers - Eric in New York and Paula in Boston. Eric and Paula wed in Memphis, Tennessee and eloped at the Shelby County Courthouse. They celebrated at the House of Blues with dinner and music... and for just shy of forty-seven years, they've been celebrating.
Eric and Paula settled in Tarrytown, NY for the first couple years of marriage and had two daughters to whom he was an incredible role model and loving father. Eric became a grandfather of four grandbabies. They absolutely adored him and will greatly miss his playfulness, inquisitive nature, and kindness, as well as his love for chocolate.
Eric Spokas' great loves were his family and science, but it would be HUGELY irresponsible not to mention his love for fishing. He was a man of many interests: music, hiking, running, biking. He was always up for a good party and conversation. He was a car enthusiast. BUT he absolutely loved to fish. He was most content with a rod questing for a rainbow trout, chasing a bass in the glades, or surf casting at the last turn off before the bridge on A1A. He fished equally solo as he did with his best fishing buddies, and he and his four brothers were often adventuring to North Carolina or to some secret bass spot in FL in search of the ultimate catch.
There will never be enough words, or the right words, that would fully reflect who Eric George Spokas was, nor what he means to his loved ones. But this short story cannot be concluded without mentioning his bravery. He lived honestly, never pretending to be someone else, never afraid to speak up when something wasn't right. Most people are afraid to be that genuine, but for Eric, being "real" was the only way to be. He wasn't afraid to drive life in the direction that he wanted and never stopped moving forward no matter the challenges. He never let it shake his spirit or stop him from trying. Perhaps that's part of what made him a remarkable scientist and in turn a truly remarkable man.
Eric passed away peacefully at home in Sebastian, FL on March 21, 2025. He is survived by the love of his life, Paula Spokas; his daughters Lora Spokas (Shawn) and Barbara James (Brian); his grandchildren Briar and Micky Spokas-Riley, and Bennett and Brielle James; his sister Catherine Phipps (Kim); his brother Kurt Spokas; sister-in-law Andrea Spokas; and many other special family and friends. Eric is predeceased by his brothers Andrew Spokas and Neil Spokas; and sister Jeanette Neuschaefer.
The Spokas Family expresses thanks to the following persons and organizations involved in Eric's care over the years: Dr. Edgar Blecker Sr. and staff, Norma Rivera (Respiratory Therapist), and The Visiting Nurses Association of Vero Beach.
A memorial will be held to celebrate Eric's life at 1-3 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Strunk Funeral Home: 1623 N Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.