Obituary published on Legacy.com by Methuen Family Funeral Home on Mar. 22, 2025.
Nicholas J. "Nick" Erban, 76, passed away peacefully at Lawrence General Hospital, surrounded by loving family, after a short battle with cardiac and respiratory illness.
Most recently of Haverhill, Nick was raised in
Methuen, MA, the son of Tufic (Ted) Erban and Julia (Abizaid) Erban. Nick attended Methuen schools and went on to study communications and broadcasting at Emerson College in Boston, MA.
Nick served his country in the Army National Guard 26th Yankee Division, Battery C 102nd Artillery, Massachusetts from 1967-1973.
He was the beloved husband of nearly fifty years to his wife, Claudette (Camire) Erban.
Nick had a long and storied career in the retail industry, managing stores in MA and NH, most recently retiring from TJX Co. on March 1, 2025. Work was an extremely important part of Nick's life, and he cherished the connections he made with co-workers and customers alike.
Nick was a life-long, devoted member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Lawrence where over his lifetime he served in many capacities including on the Parish Council, as a Sunday School teacher and Food Pantry volunteer. Until his recent illness prevented him from doing so, Nick would get up before dawn on food distribution Sundays to volunteer prior to church services. He would then return for the liturgy and assist in stewardship management.
Nick was a loyal fan of all New England sports teams, even the New England Patriots during their worst years, earning him the nickname "New England Nick" by his family.
Nick had a sharp wit and sense of humor, and loved to banter, especially about politics. He was an incredibly loyal and loving friend and family member, always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
One of Nick's greatest strengths was that he knew how to "show up" for people. He was a true caretaker and found meaning and joy in being there for others. Nick had an incredibly generous heart and an uncanny ability to fall asleep in the middle of just about any social or family gathering.
Above all, Nick loved spending time with his children, Andrew and his wife, Brooke Moury-Erban of Methuen, Nicholas and his wife, Ariana Erban of Derry, NH, and Philip Erban of Salisbury, MA, as well as being Jhiddo to his grandchildren Olivia, Brady, Sailor, Joey and Jayson who were the apples of his eye. He always lit up with joy singing his famous "Jhiddo Song" to them.
Nick will also be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his loving companion, Sheba. Nick was predeceased by siblings Larry T. Erban and Velva M. (Erban) Kraunelis.
At Nick's request services will be private.
To honor Nick, we invite you to regularly "show up" for a loved one in need, or just to check in, with a call, text or a visit.
Memorial donations can be made to the St. George Church Larry Erban Scholarship Fund, P.0. Box 10,
Methuen, MA 01844, or online at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4EBXRQD3ZQNJC
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Erban family.