Eric Joseph Cogan

On February 18, 2023, Eric J. Cogan, who last lived in Quincy, MA, tragically lost his long battle with opioid abuse disorder but is finally free of his disease.  Eric was born on April 20, 1978 in Lowell, MA, to Renee (LeBlanc) and Joseph Marks.  Although Eric died from his disease, it did not define him as a father, son, grandson, brother, nephew, husband, partner, pet parent, or friend.

Eric grew up in Melrose, MA, where he had a paper route as a teen and enjoyed pick-up basketball.  He graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in 1996 as an electrician apprentice and was accepted immediately into the US Air Force where he was a member of the security police force stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  After his service with the USAF, he settled in Florida for a period of time; however, Eric always returned to Boston – his Home.

As his family can attest, Eric was a kind, gentle, and old soul with a huge heart; someone who would give his coat in a New England winter if someone asked.  He might have even given away his sneakers – yes, his sneakers.  If you don’t know, Eric collected sneakers like some people collected Beanie Babies and likely had the cleanest Nikes in all of Boston.  He loved his Irish heritage and was a proud Bostonian.  As a proper Bostonian, he was a fan of all Boston sports, pizza slices, and Dunkin’ Donuts.  He relished telling stories, laughing, listening to music, and being outdoors with his sweet and beloved American Pit Bull Terrier companion Garvey.  His love for good food was founded in his love for his mother’s good cooking.  Eric had a gleam in his eye yet a bashfulness about him. With an infectious smile, he exuded charm and charisma, never met a stranger, and yet had a subtle humility about him.  People were drawn to him, and he was drawn to people.  One of Eric’s greatest qualities was his loyalty, and he adored his family. With full knowledge of the dangers that come with opioid abuse disorder, he shielded his family as much as he could from those dangers. 

Eric leaves behind his son Eric, Jr, his mother Renee, his sister Kim, and stepfather Fred.  He was predeceased by wife Adrianne Santiago of Florida and father Joey Marks.  His mark will be left on a number of families including the Kings, O’Kanes, LeBlancs and Markses.  He will be missed forever.

The family beseeches your help in ending this insidious disease with the following sentiments:

Addiction is real and is also known as substance abuse disorder.  In Eric’s case it was opioids.  It robbed Eric of both quality and quantity of life, and it robbed his family of his love.  Addiction impacts both the person and the family who struggle to cope.  This ongoing opioid epidemic will result in the loss of an entire generation if we don’t address the issue as a society.  If we are to preserve lives, we need to start talking about this.  PLEASE continue this conversation in your day to day lives and with your loved ones.

Please think before you judge, remember that everyone is dealing with something, and addiction is typically and skillfully well hidden.

To Eric’s friends and anyone struggling with addiction, the family implores you to make changes and seek help before your life is taken too soon.

Services will be private, and Eric will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne with full military honors.