Eric S. Giardina

Eric S. Giardina, age 45, passed away on January 1, 2022. Eric was born on January 15, 1976 in Kankakee, IL to the parents of Richard and Linda Giardina. 

Eric resided in Shell Lake as a child and then moved to Eau Claire with his family where he attended North High School. He later attended Music School in Minneapolis, MN. He most recently resided in Eau Claire where he worked at Inclusa as a Facilities Coordinator. 

Eric was deeply passionate about music and was a tremendously gifted guitar player and composer. He was instrumental in many bands in the area, including No Loving Place, Black Flood Diesel, Picard and Ghosts of the Sun. He wasn't a traditional songwriter by any sense of the word, he was much more than that. His talent was swooping in after a song had been written, and breathing depth, life, and passion into the music with his own unique style. He was a master of capturing emotion, and with the flick of his wrist could decide at any point how he wanted you to feel when you were listening to a song. He had an ability to blend into a song in a way where you didn't even realize what he was doing, with the understanding that he was making sure that his fellow bandmates were supported and highlighted when it was important. One of the wonderful things about Eric's performances was that when he knew a musical passage was going to evoke a strong emotion from a crowd, he never looked at what he was doing, he moved to the front of the stage and looked everyone directly in the eyes to make sure they were all feeling the power of the music like he was. His command over audiences, and his master-level skill on guitar, made him legendary. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world became aware of his talent over the last few years, and to this day, he still receives messages and hand-written notes from people worldwide who were touched by his art and moved by his passion. He was a rare gem that the music world was lucky to behold, and impossible to replicate.

Eric enjoyed the outdoors - fishing for the elusive muskie that always seemed to get away, boating, kayaking, hiking and making his yard immaculate with flowers, ponds and decor. Most recently Eric enjoyed spending time at his cabin up north and exploring all the different lakes and hiking trails.  But most of all, Eric enjoyed his beloved dog Willow - chasing Willow in his music studio or chilling with Willow on the couch. He loved his little Willow so very much and would also put up with the other big dog Ruby!

Eric was a beautiful and amazing soul. He was a humble, kind, compassionate and generous person who would help anyone. He had an awesome sense of humor and made the people who loved him laugh all the time. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed.

Eric is preceded in death by his father Richard Giardina, grandma Mildred (Millie) Remillard and grandparents Stanley and Jeanette Stankewicz. He is survived by his mother Linda Giardina, his life partner Sara Ruckman, his siblings Gina (Joe) Hile and Tim (Linda) Giardina, his aunt Carol (Don) Brewer, his nephews Adam, Brandon, Randy, Tony, his nieces Katie and Missy and countless friends whom he called family.

A celebration of life gathering will take place Friday, January 7, 2022 at the Hulke Family Funeral Home from 2-5 pm. There will be a time for sharing at 5pm to conclude the evening's gathering. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at http://www.hulkefamilyfh.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Eric's name to Bob's House For Dogs, E3015 County Rd HH, Eleva, WI 54738.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.