Eric D’Amario Michigan Death and Obituary – The community of Midland, Michigan, is reeling from the unexpected passing of Eric Joseph D’Amario, a devoted family man, passionate social worker, and tireless advocate for community welfare. Eric, aged 42, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, after a brief and unforeseen medical event at his home. His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him—family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals he helped throughout his career.
Born on December 5, 1982, in Saginaw, Michigan, Eric was raised in a close-knit, Italian-American family that valued community, compassion, and service. These values shaped Eric from an early age, where he exhibited an innate empathy and an eagerness to help others. His sense of responsibility to those less fortunate was evident during his high school years when he volunteered at local soup kitchens. This commitment to community service blossomed as he pursued a degree in social work at Central Michigan University, where he also demonstrated leadership qualities by organizing food drives, mentoring programs, and summer camps for at-risk youth.
Upon earning his Bachelor of Social Work in 2004, Eric began his career at the Midland County Department of Human Services. Over the next two decades, he became a central figure in the department, known for his innovative approach to social work, his unwavering commitment to supporting at-risk families, and his ability to inspire others. Colleagues fondly recall Eric as someone who “lived and breathed” his work, often finding time to support others while maintaining his professional focus. His dedication to helping families navigate challenging circumstances, along with his deep understanding of the human condition, made him an irreplaceable resource in Midland County.
Outside of his professional life, Eric was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Lauren Connolly, and a proud father to two young daughters, Sophia, age 10, and Isabella, age 7. As a family man, Eric was known for his love of simple pleasures—weekend bike rides along the Tridge, backyard barbecues, and nightly bedtime stories that sparked the imaginations of his daughters. His infectious laughter, playful spirit, and steady guidance were cornerstones of the life he built with his loved ones, and these moments will forever be cherished by those who were closest to him.
Eric’s life was not solely defined by his work in social services. A lifelong musician, he was also a gifted guitarist and singer. Eric’s passion for music led him to form a small folk-rock band with friends from college, and he frequently performed at local festivals, benefit concerts, and church gatherings. He believed in the power of music to heal, uplift, and connect communities. Those who heard him perform recall his soulful voice and the warmth he radiated on stage, sharing a piece of his heart with every note.
Eric’s sudden death has left the Midland community in shock. Longtime friend Janae Miller, a fellow community advocate, expressed disbelief at the loss, saying, “It’s hard to believe someone so full of life could be gone in an instant. Eric had big plans—plans for helping more families, mentoring more youth, and bringing people closer through music and service.”
Visitation for Eric D’Amario will take place on Monday, June 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home in Midland. His celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, followed by a reception and music tribute in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the “D’Amario Youth Outreach Fund,” which has been established to continue Eric’s mission of helping at-risk youth across Midland County.
Although Eric D’Amario is no longer physically present, his legacy lives on through the many programs he created, the families he helped stabilize, and the individuals he inspired to serve with kindness and creativity. Michigan has lost an extraordinary advocate and friend, but the seeds he planted will continue to grow, making a lasting impact for generations to come.