Eric W. Von Daacke

Eric Ward Von Daacke, 67, passed away on March 19th, 2025. Eric was the beloved father to his daughter Erica Von Daacke and grandson Jackson Von Daacke of Southington, his son James Von Daacke and fiancé Janet White, and her son Sean of East Haven. He leaves behind his sisters Laurice Klemarczyk and her husband Philip of Canton, and Rachel Von Daacke of Southington. He is also survived by his niece Hillary, and his nephews Tyler, Alexander and Matthew. Eric was predeceased by his father James Von Daacke, his mother Geraldine Hotchkiss Von Daacke, and his much loved sister Jackie Von Daacke Bourn. Eric was also predeceased by his ex-wife Vickie Nicoletti.Eric arrived on this earth during a blizzard on February 16th, 1958. His two older sisters, Laurie and Jackie, were thrilled to have a baby brother. They loved calling his name to see who he would come to! (It was always Jackie!). As time passed, Eric grew to tower over both of his big sisters. He had blonde shaggy hair and an engaging smile. He rode his bike all over the Homesdale Avenue neighborhood in Southington, and as a young teenager, he rode his bike to work in the fields at Lewis Farms. In 1970, our sister Rachel was born, making Eric a big brother and no longer the baby of the family. And it was around this time that our Dad got Eric into football and began his life-long love for the Dallas Cowboys (although lately he was little frustrated by them!)Eric graduated from Southington High School in June 1976 and got his first job in the kitchen at Mr. Steak in Southington. He soon moved on to a head cook position at Lum's Restaurant in Orange where he met Vickie Nicoletti. They married and settled in East Haven, welcoming Erica Ann in 1988 and James Michael in 1991. They had many wonderful times with family and neighborhood friends at their home.Eric eventually decided to move on from the restaurant business and got a job working at his cousin's machine shop, where he learned the intensive algebraic skills of a machinist. He went on to get a job at the Lee Company, a family-owned business in Westbrook, CT where he worked until his retirement in 2021. He made many great friends there but most notable were his golf buddies, with whom he spent endless days together on the course. Saying Eric was ecstatic about retirement would be an understatement. He loved every minute of the four years he had and was happy most of the time sitting at home with his sweet cats Emma and Bella.There were numerous family parties, picnics and graduations. Beginning in 2001, the entire family began to vacation in Cape May and made it a tradition to do so every few years. The year that went down in the family history involved 10 rambunctious kids and 9 adults all in one house!Eric was a family man at heart. He was always there for his children Erica and James. He adored his grandson Jackson, who spent many weekends with his Grandpa, playing video games, going fishing, and just this past summer he took Jackson to his first concert in Foxboro to see his favorite band, Metallica.Eric was a sweet, fun-loving and boisterous brother who always loved to challenge his two sisters. He was also the super fun uncle to his nieces and nephews who made them smile with his remarkable laugh. He loved to cook and made killer meatballs, gravy and lasagna. Blueberry pancakes were his favorite family tradition every Christmas morning.Eric will truly be missed, but there is some comfort in knowing that he is now with his sister Jackie and his Mom and Dad looking down and watching over us.Family and friends may call at the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven FRIDAY from 5:00-7:00 PM. Services and burial are private. Memorial contributions can be made in Eric's memory to: Halfway Home Rescue, 400 Universal Dr., North Haven, CT 06473. https://halfwayhomerescue.simdif.com/ To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Eric, please visit our Tree Store.