Eric Harriman Lord, beloved husband, father, grandfather, godfather, colleague, and friend passed away on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Queens, New York to Frank and Minna Lord, Eric had a happy childhood with his sister Susie growing up in New York City and later in Westwood, New Jersey. His childhood consisted of trips to the family cabin in Berryville, Virginia, playing on the little league baseball team coached by his father Frank, and developing an avid love of aviation and the U.S. Air Force.
Eric chose to serve in the U.S. Air Force, beginning with an ROTC Scholarship at Rutgers University. He met the love of his life and future wife Kathy while attending Rutgers. Eric and Kathy became engaged and married at the Rutgers Chapel, and remained happily married for 37 years. They raised two sons, Stephen and Peter, and moved all across the U.S. throughout his Air Force career. Notably, Eric spent time and made lifelong friendships while stationed in Albuquerque, NM and San Antonio, TX. In his final tour of duty, Eric was stationed at the Pentagon, where he was present during the attacks of September 11th 2001. Eric returned to the Pentagon later that evening in what became the defining moment of his Air Force career. Eric subsequently deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he continued to support the U.S. post 9/11 effort. Major Eric Lord retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2004 after 20 years of dedicated service. Soon after, Eric joined Booz Allen Hamilton where he worked as an acquisitions and program management contractor with a number of incredible teams over the course of almost 20 years.
Eric was a beloved father who prioritized spending time with his sons, cheering them on at sporting events, and enduring the elements during numerous Boy Scout outings. Eric particularly enjoyed taking memorable trips with his family to Ireland and Kentucky to explore his passion for whisky and bourbon. His enthusiasm extended to volunteering with organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project with Booz Allen and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, where he shared his love of military history and aviation with others. As an active and devout member of the Catholic Church, Eric served as a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, actively supported Youth Ministry, and volunteered with the Diocese of Arlington Work Camp alongside Kathy.
Known for his kind heart and gentle spirit, Eric will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Eric is survived by the love of his life, Kathleen, and their two sons Stephen (Erin) Lord and Peter Lord. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Connor and Emma Lord, whose laughter brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (John) Krebs, and their sons, Xavier and Paul Krebs.
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