Obituary: Remembering Eric Botticelli
Prepared by the Botticelli family
On Dec. 17, 2024, Eric Botticelli died. He was a son, brother, friend, musician, and a brilliant mind.
Eric’s flame burned out far too soon, leaving his loved ones with hearts heavy with sorrow but also overflowing with love and gratitude for the time they shared with him. Eric was born on Sept. 22, 1984, and from the moment he entered the world, it was clear he was something special. Even as a young child, he had a sensitivity and curiosity that set him apart. He saw beauty in the smallest things. On walks through a park as a young boy, he would often stop to pick tiny flowers for his mother, a gesture that captured the depth of his kindness and thoughtfulness.
Music was a defining part of Eric’s life. Just before his third birthday, he began playing the violin at the local Suzuki School. His love for music grew alongside him as he progressed from performances in grade school concerts to joining the NYU Orchestra in 2002.
To watch Eric play the violin was to witness the purest form of expression. It wasn’t just notes on a page; it was a glimpse into his soul. Eric’s talents didn’t stop there. Academically, he was a force to be reckoned with: He excelled in mathematics and science and earned a full scholarship to New York University as a computer science major.
However, Eric was never one to be confined to a single path. He had a deep appreciation for the arts. Literature, music, and painting enriched his world just as much as equations and algorithms. Eric was a man of contrasts and harmony. He was as analytical as he was creative, as logical as he was tenderhearted. He left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, whether through his music, his intellect, or his gentle spirit.
Today, his friends and family grieve his sudden passing but also celebrate the life he lived—a life that was vibrant, meaningful, and beautiful. His loved ones find solace in memories of Eric: his bright eyes, his music, his laughter, and the countless ways he touched their lives.
Eric is survived by his parents, Paul and Louise Botticelli; his brothers, Damon and Brian; his three nephews, Axel, Hiro, and Nathan; and his niece, Ella.
If you would like to share your memories, thoughts, feelings, or pictures of Eric on a Kudoboard, please send a request to 631-987-4817, and a link will be sent back to you. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Setauket Presbyterian Church located at 5 Caroline Ave., East Setauket.