Suffolk ~ John Eric Brophy, 53, of Suffolk, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly, on October 7, 2019 following a brief illness.

“Eric” was born on April 24, 1966 to Frances “Nedra” and Thomas Brophy in Washington, DC.

Eric landed his first and favorite job as a yacht painter and fiberglass fabricator for Gibson Island Boat Works, Gibson Island, Maryland, kicking off a twenty nine year career in pleasure yacht and United States Navy ship repair and upkeep.

In 1991, Eric met Sara Frances Welborn and they wed on June 15, 1992, going on to be a very loving father to three amazing children, Katie Frances, Sean Patrick and Justin Connor Brophy.

Eric was predeceased by his father, Thomas Brophy. He is survived by his three children Katie Frances, Sean Patrick and Justin Connor, spouse Sara, mother Frances “Nedra” Hicks, two older brothers Thomas and Mark Brophy and many more extended family members.

Eric always had a positive outlook on life. His favorite expression was “Attitudes are contagious.. is yours worth catching?”

The family is fondly remembering Eric with the following words spoken by James, the brother of Jesus in the Book of James 4:14 “But you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes!”

A Celebration of Life will be held in Baltimore, Maryland on January 18, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Eric’s honor.