Eric D. Hlebcar's Obituary
Mantua Eric David Hlebcar, 48 years of age, passed away quietly in his sleep on November 7, 2013 at his home in Mantua, Ohio. He was born on August 25, 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Willoughby with his family when he was three years old. Eric attended the Willoughby City Schools, sharing his high school years between Willoughby Tech and Willoughby South. He graduated from Willoughby South High School in 1983, where he was a drummer in the marching band. After high school, he worked various jobs as a mechanic and in grounds maintenance. He began a career with the Nestle Corporation in the early 1990s, where he helped maintain mechanical systems, equipment, and the grounds for 11 years. Through most of the late 1980s and 1990s, he was the drummer for various bands, including the rockabilly band, Billhillies, and the rock band, XLR8. He moved to Mantua in 2001, and a few years later suffered a disabling back injury while painting his barn. Despite over a decade of difficult surgeries and demoralizing pain, Eric continued to provide loving support to a wide circle of friends. In 2008, he was reunited with a high school classmate, Kim Strom, who has remained his loving companion for five years and was with him when he died. The couple was engaged to be married over the Christmas holidays. Throughout his life, Eric was a passionate enthusiast of the 1950s, with a particular love of muscle cars, Mickey Mouse, and vintage toys. He is survived by his fiancAC.e, Kim Strom; his parents, David L. Hlebcar of Willoughby, OH and Carol Downs (neeMandoke) of Painesville; his sisters Claudia (Douglass) and Lisa Hlebcar Fedor; his second "Mom" Dorothy Popotnik; and his dogs, Meathead and Charlie. An informal celebration of Eric's life will take place on Friday, November 15th from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Mantua School House, 11741 Mantua Center Road, 1/8 mile North of Route 82. Light refreshments will be served. Photos and memories of good times with Eric are welcome, and Eric-inspired attire (Mickey Mouse, rockabilly, etc.) would be most appropriate.
What’s your fondest memory of Eric?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eric?
Share a story where Eric's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eric you’ll never forget.
How did Eric make you smile?