Eric Musa

1936 - 2024

Eric Musa
2/11/1936 – 6/7/2024
Eric George Musa, 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend, passed away on June 7, 2024. He was a native New Yorker, but called New Canaan, CT, home for 48 years. He had a friendly, positive personality and was instantly liked by everyone he met. His optimistic outlook on life was infectious. Eric was born in New York City to Dr. George and Helen Musa and grew up in Forest Hills, Queens. He graduated from Horace Mann School and from the University of Rochester in 1957. He enjoyed his time at Rochester and spoke of it often. He worked in the fashion retail business, first at NYC department stores, then as a buyer for Montgomery Ward. Eventually, he moved to the wholesale side of the industry, where he worked until retirement. In 1962, he married Constance "Connie" Coan of Rahway, New Jersey. He liked to joke that he proposed to her before joining the army just so he would have someone to write letters to him! However, those who knew Eric and Connie witnessed a loving marriage that lasted for 61 years. They had two daughters, Margaret and Beth, and enjoyed a full and active life in New Canaan. Eric was a devoted and loving father. He was generous, affectionate, fun, and always 100% supportive. He was Grampy to four beloved grandchildren, who loved him with all their hearts. Eric had several interests, including playing tennis, paddle, and bridge, a game he played since his college days. He was a big crossword puzzler, completing the New York Times puzzle practically every day. He also loved chocolate, books, dogs, penguins, and cheetahs. Eric loved sports and was a die-hard Red Sox fan. He was a beachgoer and spent decades vacationing in North Carolina with family and friends. In retirement, he and Connie traveled extensively, their African safari a highlight for them both! The biggest passion of Eric's life was classical music. He often expressed how he could live without playing bridge or doing crosswords, but could never live without music. For nearly 30 years, Eric was an active member of the Men's Club of New Canaan. He was the bridge director for many years and taught classes and ran games a few times each week for the club and for the Lapham Community Center of New Canaan. Eric was predeceased by his wife, Connie. He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Beeler (husband Michael) of Westport, CT, and Elizabeth Archambault (husband Mark) of Mansfield, MA; grandchildren, Wesley and Carly Beeler, and Aidan and Kaelyn Archambault. He is also survived by Connie's sisters, Alice Larsen (husband Robert) of Bozeman, MT and Margaret Loytty (predeceased by her husband Eric) of Winston-Salem, NC. Eric also leaves behind five nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends. He will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service to celebrate Eric's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan on Saturday, July 13th, at 2:00 p.m. To view the service live, please visit: https://events.locallive.tv/events/149481 . In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Eric and Connie to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at give.michaeljfox.org . For online condolences, please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com