Eric B. Ash

With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Eric B. Ash in West Palm Beach on June 29, 2025, at age 67.   Eric is survived by his three children, Thomas Ash (New York, NY), James Ash (Honolulu, HI), and Ellie Ash (Providence, RI), along with his former spouse and lifelong friend, Theresa DiPaola (Charlestown, RI).

Eric was born in Manhattan, raised in Miami Shores and ultimately settled in West Palm Beach.  He received his undergraduate degree at Florida Atlantic University and his post-graduate law degree at Nova University.  A civil litigator in the West Palm Beach legal community for over 30 years, Eric was a fierce social justice advocate and Roosevelt-style progressive.  A lifelong fan of Coen Brothers movies and Ken Burns documentaries, Eric also loved grits, diners, George Carlin, the Miami Dolphins, oysters and deep-sea fishing.  He was a voracious reader, favoring Updike, Twain, Hemingway and Joan Didion. He was known to stand long at the edge of the Juno Beach fishing pier, practicing “blue mind” theory long before marine scientists coined the term.

Eric was a proud father and big-hearted soul.  He will be remembered for his intellect, quick wit and thousand-watt smile.  He did not suffer from the “spirit of the stairway,” having a touch of the Irish temper and gift for quick-cutting repartee.  He was generous with his time and advice and his keen insight will be sorely missed.

Eric was the son of the late Agnes (McCarty) Ash and Clarke Ash.  He leaves behind his beloved Ohio McCarty cousins and virtual siblings – Mary Jo, Peggy, Beth, Terri, Matt and Anne – with his death sadly interrupting his planned attendance at a McCarty family wedding this July— as well as his beloved brother Dave Jones (Merritt Island), brother James Ash (Tallahassee) and sister Jennifer Ash Rudick (New York).

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. James Chapel in Charlestown RI.  A celebration of life luncheon will follow at Aunt Carrie’s oceanside seafood restaurant in Narragansett, RI – a tribute to Eric’s love of the sea.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

From a headstone in Ireland

“The question … O me, O life? … That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.”

Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass