Obituary of Eric James Mailloux

Eric James Mailloux, age 60 of Wilmington, DE passed away suddenly on April 28, 2023, in Bellefonte, PA.  Born in Old Bridge, NJ, he resided for the past 30 years in Wilmington, DE, previously residing in Philadelphia, PA.

Growing up in Mt. Pocono, PA, Eric was a graduate of Pocono Mountain High School in 1980.  He was a member of the trumpet section in the marching band.  He graduated from Temple University in 1985 and then earned his Master’s degree from Widener University.

Eric had a wide range of passions, from caring for his garden in Bellefonte to riding his motorcycle when he could.  But his most infamous, and most invested, was his cooking.  Recently he was gifted a new toy that he also became very fond of, his smoker.  No matter what season of the year, Eric was happily smoking all kinds of meats and vegetables.  If there was any excuse to cook, party, tailgate, or use up unused ingredients, you can be sure he was cooking.

Eric was a Sigma Pi Kappa Chapter brother who kept in touch with many of the great men and their families over the years.  Keeping true to the saying “A brother for life”.  This bond was so strong that any family celebrations always included that extended family.

Over the past few years, Eric often volunteered at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE and eventually became a trustee along with his wife, Kate. Both enjoyed going to many wonderful shows and meeting great people who work there.

During the summer months, spending time at Lane Pool with the great “pool friends” was always a fun time he looked forward to.  Happy Hour was always a good time that he would rarely miss.

Eric was an avid Philly sports fan.  Whenever the Eagles were in the playoffs, you could be sure there was a get-together to watch the games at his home, along with eating everything that he cooked.  He was also always in tune with college football and basketball, especially for the Temple University Owls.  He even held season tickets for football and basketball for many years.

Most of all, he was a very dedicated and loving father to Eric and Danielle, a loving husband to Kate, and his heart was just full of joy and love to his grandchildren Charlie Rose and Aiden James.  Every opportunity he got to spend with his grandchildren he would take in an instant.  So much so, he always advertised that “Pop’s Day Care” was always open.

In addition to his father, Paul Mailloux, Eric is preceded in death by his brother, Paul "Skip" Mailloux. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathleen Mailloux, 2 children, Eric (Samantha) Mailloux and Danielle (Brian) Smith, mother, Janet Owen Mailloux, brother, Gregory Mailloux, uncle, Maurice Mailloux, numerous cousins, and 2 grandchildren, Aiden James Mailloux and Charlie Rose Smith.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 10:00-11:00AM at the Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd., Garnet Valley, PA followed by a memorial service at 11:00AM. Interment will be held privately. Donations in his memory may be made to The Grand Opera House (www.thegrandwilmington.org) or American Red Cross (www.redcross.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.