Eric Paul Biegansky, 53, died Thursday August 3, 2023 at his home in Jacksonville, FL after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 12, 1970 in Rochester, NY to Paul and Marianne (Rinn) Biegansky. The Bieganskys have a proud German heritage and Eric spent many memorable years of his childhood at the Frankfurt International School. He graduated high school from Bloomfield Hills Lahser in 1988 and then became a Wolverine at the University of Michigan. Eric was very proud to be a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity where he made lifelong friends with his brothers.
Eric and Jill were married for 28 years. As newlyweds they enjoyed living around family and college friends in Royal Oak, MI but soon moved to Chicago where they enjoyed the city and built their family. After having Ryan and Emma, they raised their family in beautiful Hinsdale, IL. Eric was the ultimate family man. He loved his Lane School neighborhood, volunteering as a coach, being an active member of Notre Dame parish and enjoying lasting friendships. Most of all he loved to hang out with friends and family - Eric always had a witty comment, inappropriate joke or a look that made you laugh.
Eric was incredibly smart, witty, magnetic and a very eloquent public speaker and had a very successful career as a Management Consultant and Partner across many firms. He was the boss everyone wanted to work for and made lifelong friends with his colleagues.
After being diagnosed with GIST cancer in 2008, he became a true warrior. He never complained about his disease; rather, he got busy livin’. He and Jill built Thunder Road, their beautiful cottage in Michigan. Eric loved to choose his favorite playlist, visit with friends and family, enjoy his beach walks and his 6 mile runs in his happy place. He loved to travel and the family enjoyed many memorable vacations. His favorites were Rome, Kauai, the US Open, and French Open. At this time, Bruce Springsteen became the soundtrack of Eric’s life. Bruce’s spirit and lyrics were a true inspiration to Eric in battling his disease. The Bieganskys became Bruce groupies, and he and Jill saw Bruce shows all over the world.
Eric was a strong advocate and spokesperson for GIST cancer. He was a selfless mentor to many, fundraiser for GIST research, and served on the Boards of the Life Raft Group: GIST Support Through Patient Powered Science and the Wellness House.
Eric is survived by his loving wife Jill; his beautiful children, Ryan and Emma; parents, Paul and Marianne; sisters, Sonya (Ken) Yeadon and Nicole (Nate) Mather; along with many nieces and nephews.
Eric’s funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church in Clarendon Hills IL on Saturday, August 19. Visitation will be in the church from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Eric’s Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Butterfield Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Life Raft Group and The Wellness House.
