Eric L. Schlossberg

Born in Cherry Hill, NJ, he was an active child, loving his neighborhood friends, and tolerating elementary school. In 1978 he moved to Simsbury, CT and after many public-school years, he entered the 8th grade at the Watkinson School in Hartford, CT where he became a sports hero in his freshman year. He found a home at the Wat, and was a very happy 16 ½ year old when one night in January, 1987, he was a backseat passenger, and the only survivor, of a one car accident. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving him with significant physical and cognitive deficits. It was the beginning of his second, 36-year journey.

What do you do with loads of great memories that can’t be replicated because of disabilities.

Eric made a decision not to look back. He was strongly encouraged to return to schooling and by the age of 21 he had obtained a GED. A big victory.

Eric moved from one rehab facility to another, looking for a place to call his home. Twenty-two years ago, in 2002, he found it at Universal Institute in Livingston, NJ. His sociability, his sense of humor, and his strong flirting ability had him beloved by staff. In fact, he actually considered himself a staff member. He flourished in a warm environment and partook in all the activities his abilities allowed.

Eric made the decision not to look back on what he had lost, but to look at each day as an opportunity to enjoy. He valued life, and never expressed a wish to have died in the car crash with his friends. He loved his parents and became particularly close to his mom, Helen, a fierce advocate for improving his life in any possible way.

He leaves behind his father, Ron Schlossberg, his sister Amy, his step-mother Judy Schlossberg, his step-father Eric Bromley, and a remarkable aide named Sharon Lake. He is probably meeting up with his late mom, Helen Lapido, as you read this.

The family will be receiving guests from 12:15 to 12:45pm on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00pm.

If anyone desires to remember Eric, a gift to the Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT