Born on August 16, 1977 in DuBois, PA; he was the son of Chuck and Lori Taylor Strouse of Brockway; and Nick Ward also of Brockway.
He was employed at O-I Plant 19 in Brockway as head mould cleaner.
Eric was baptized and confirmed catholic by faith.
He loved to collect comic books, was an avid xbox gamer and enjoyed drawing and doodling, but his most precious possession was his miniature dachshund Luke.
He is also survived by a brother Brandon Ward and his fiance Mallory Davis both of Apex, NC; his maternal grandfather Mick (Fran) Taylor of Brockway and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Catherine Taylor, grandparents Paul and Ellen Strouse, paternal grandmother Isabelle Ward and paternal grandfather Jack Ward.
Calling hours will be on Monday, June 29 from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Carlson-Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. in Brockway.
The funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:00 A.M. also at the funeral home with Msgr. Charles Kaza officiating. Burial will follow in St. Tobias Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Gateway Human Society 1211 Airport Rd, Falls Creek, PA 15840 or to the charity of the donors choice.
Online condolences may be left at csfhinc.com.