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 Eric J. Garner, 51
 February 17, 2024
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Eric Joseph Garner, lovingly known as "The Waterboy," passed away on February 17, 2024 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born on January 12, 1973 in North Adams, MA, Eric leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and a passion for life.
Eric was the youngest son of William G. Garner and Shirley A. Garner (Deneault). He is survived by his loving wife, Amy B. Garner (Briggs); three brothers, Russell A. Garner of Issaquah, WA, Scott A. Garner of Churubusco, IN, and Gerald W. Garner of Cheshire, MA; his father and mother-in-law, Richard B. Briggs and Kimberly A. Briggs (Schwab) of Adams, MA; and brother-in-law, Bradley R. Briggs, Sr. of Chester, MA. He also leaves behind many relatives and friends that loved him dearly and will carry his memory in their hearts forever.
Eric attended local schools and graduated from Charles H. McCann Technical School in 1991. He started working for Sand Springs Springwater in Williamstown, MA after high school. His hard work and dedication were evident to all who knew him. His commitment to work and kindness to others earned him the affectionate nickname "The Waterboy," a testament to his reliability, steadfastness and helpfulness to others.
Beyond his professional life, Eric was a car enthusiast whose love for automobiles was infectious. He found joy in the intricacies of engines and the thrill of the open road, sharing his passion with friends and family alike. Eric also enjoyed trailer camping and NASCAR events. His family often teased him about his “shrine” to Dale Earnhardt.
Above all, Eric will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others. His generous spirit touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Even before he became ill, he would affectionately talk to others about how fortunate he was to have married Amy, his high school sweetheart, and how much he “fricking” loved and adored her.
Calling hours for Eric will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel at 521 West Main Street in North Adams, MA. Burial at Southview Cemetery in North Adams, MA will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PopCares Inc. in Eric's honor. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com
| To Eric’s family— I just heard of Eric’s passing on my return from Florida. My heart aches for you. He was a dear, dear man—so kind, always upbeat. He was our “water boy” both at work and at home. He always brought a ray of sunshine into our lives on the days of his visits. I know he touched many lives with his cheerful smile. My sympathy to all of you | | from: Bonnie Herr | on: 04-30-2024 |
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| Eric was the best uncle I could ever had. Ever since i was 5 he showed me how to wash cars and bottle water. When I was having a bad day he always cheared me up but when his mom died I had to cheer him up. But when he was sick he loved watching me play baseball. He Will be missed very missed and forever in my heart. sorry for your lose Amy Scott Russle and Gerald. | | from: Reid William | on: 03-19-2024 |
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| Dear Amy, please accept our deepest sympathy on Eric's passing. May God's peace comfort you, your families and friends now and always. | | from: Kathie, Jim, Andy and Erin Caffrey | on: 03-02-2024 |
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| I miss your laughter and your smile. The sweetest guy with the biggest heart. You are loved and missed, fam. There are no words to express what this loss means to the Garner family. Every day without you means the sun doesn't shine as bright. My brother from another mother. I love you. | | from: Betty Garner | on: 03-01-2024 |
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| Amy, My sincere condolences to you and your family. Eric will truly be missed. My mom and I were so happy to have had the chance to see you guys at our daughters dance recital. We got to give "The Waterboy" a hug! That really meant a lot to us both. | | from: Melissa Girard | on: 02-28-2024 |
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| Eric was our "Water Boy" for years. Always friendly, on time & a great smile! Such a tremendous loss! He will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Dave & Diane Krzeminski | | from: To Amy & the Garner Family | on: 02-27-2024 |
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| To Amy and the Garner family, We want to send our condolences to you. Eric was our waterboy for quite a while and my husband and I always enjoyed the conversation with Eric. He is missed but he will always be in our hearts. Our prayers go out to you and the family. | | from: Gary and Wendy Mandeville | on: 02-24-2024 |
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| To Amy and the Garner Family: Fran and I send our deepest condolences. We are sorry that we fell out of touch with you and Eric and we are deeply saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. | | from: Fran and Rachel Morandi | on: 02-23-2024 |
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| Amy, I am so so sorry for your loss. Sending you strength and love in this difficult time. | | from: Kierstyn Harris | on: 02-23-2024 |
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| Dear Garner family, I am so sorry for your loss. Eric was the sweetest person and I have known him for years. Eric, as a child lived near my gram and would often go and help her work in her gardens and lawns. Eric and I reconnected at Williams College and reminded him how thankful I was for all the kindness he gave to my gram. May God enter this Angel into his kingdom. And I pray my gram gave him a big hug. RIP Eric | | from: Diane England | on: 02-23-2024 |
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| Amy and the Garner Family, So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. He certainly was a bright light and spirited guy delivering our water every Friday. And he always had a hearty wave when he saw us on his rounds in Williamstown. A friend to many, he will be missed. | | from: Licia and Michael Conforti | on: 02-22-2024 |
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Ami I am so sorry to read about Eric’s passing. He was like a son to me when my husband and I lived in MA. He was at our house often and always ready to do whatever was asked.
He was one in a million. | | from: Elaine Babula | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences. | | from: JOHN GIFFORD | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| I didn't know Eric very well, but I can tell you how kind he was to my late husband; often staying at the end of his route for over an hour, just to chat. I can also attest to his being my dog's BFF; between the treats and the belly rubs, Eric made Odie a happy guy. Gone too soon. My condolences to those he left behind. He made a bright spot in the day for many people. | | from: Linda Maloney | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| Amy, can’t begin to tell you my heartbreak for you~ my heartfelt sorrow for your loss and prayers in the difficult days ahead … | | from: Cheryl Lefave | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| My sincere condolences to Bill and the ret of the family. Eric was a good guy and will be missed | | from: Keith E. Bush | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| Oh gosh Amy, I am so sorry for your & your family’s loss. Eric was a heck of a guy & will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. | | from: Susan Bedini | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| Our sincere condolences to Eric's family. Such a nice man and always friendly and happy. no matter what the weather. I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. | | from: Linda and Jim Freeney | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| We only knew Eric as customers on his water route. He was a man who always had a smile and his friendly mannerism made others smile. Kindness and a sense of joy just naturally flowed from him. We're so sorry for the family's loss. Prayers of comfort are being sent up for all of you. | | from: Larry and Jane Russett | on: 02-22-2024 |
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| I am sorry to hear about Eric. He would bring water to the packaging department at Specialty Minerals I always enjoyed talking to him and always in a good mood. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. | | from: Frank Torchia | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| We used to have water delivered to our home and Eric was always so kind and helpful, always with a smile. I am so sorry for your loss. | | from: Jill Pompi | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| Amy and Family, We are very sorry for your loss of Eric. May you all be blessed throughout this most difficult time of sorrow. May Eric rest in peace! | | from: Tim &Tracie Therrien | on: 02-21-2024 |
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He used to deliver water to my building at Williams, I never once saw him with out a smile.
Very sorry for his families loss. | | from: Jim Lillie | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| I also remember Eric from his water deliveries at Williams. I'm sorry for his family's loss. May his memory be a blessing. | | from: Patti | on: 02-21-2024 |
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Our heartfelt sympathy to Eric's family. Eric was our "Water Boy" and he was such a a great guy. He'd make it a point to leave our dog a special treat on the stone wall when we weren't there when he'd deliver our water. It was so very sad to read of his passing.
Ron and Kathy Atwood | | from: Ron and Kathy Atwood | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| Sorry to hear such a nice guy He was also our water boyStant Family | | from: Eric | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| All of our love to you and your family. | | from: Jim & Christine Hover | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| I am so sorry to hear of this loss. He was someone who will be missed as our water delivery man at Williams. Sending love and cherished memories to his family with deepest condolences. | | from: Michele R | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| Delivered water to us at Williams for years, he was always nice and I always enjoyed chit chatting with him. He was a good guy! | | from: Christopher Desnoyers | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I remember when he would bring the water to Specialty Minerals. Such a great guy. Thoughts and prayers for the family. | | from: Greg Lucia | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| To Amy and all of Eric's family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. | | from: Laurie | on: 02-21-2024 |
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| this breaks my heart. Praying for Erics family. | | from: Shannon LaFrance Goodell | on: 02-21-2024 |
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