Eric Joseph Hurttgam

HURTTGAM, ERIC JOSEPH Age 67, of Montverde, FL and Harrison Township, MI, passed away suddenly on October 20, 2024 while surrounded by family at Orlando Reginal Medical Center. Eric was born in Mt. Clemens, MI on November 1, 1956 to Earl and Delores Hurttgam. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church of Utica for church and school when growing up. He is survived by his loving wife, Gail Hurttgam (Boike) who he married in July of 1978, his 2 sons Joshua & Justin Hurttgam, daughter Jessica (Jeff) Paynter, 5 grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, his 3 siblings, Randy Hurttgam, Brian (Denise) Hurttgam and Darcy Grandchamp and his mother. He is predeceased by his father, Earl, and brother Gregory Hurttgam. Eric loved working on projects, especially on cars and woodworking, hunting with his brother Brian and grandsons, boating, and was an avid sports fan of the Detroit teams. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who loved being with family, especially his wife Gail. They loved traveling, going to sporting events, concerts, dining out and just spending time together. Gail's quote for their love is, " Until I take my final breath, you will live in my heart." Eric was a perfectionist who couldn't stop working on anything until it was done exactly how he envisioned it should be. He was admired for how he could learn new things so quickly and was usually better at it than anyone else around. Eric had an outstanding career of 35 years as general manager of Reliable Carriers Orlando, FL where he built a lasting relationship with the Abrams family, especially Tom who was more than just a boss but a brother to Eric. Tom & Eric decided to build a race boat "Tomcat" together and in 2001 started doing poker runs where they won King of the Hudson. In 2003, Tom began racing supercat race boats and asked Eric to be the crew chief of the team. He excelled greatly at this and by 2006 they won the Nationals. In 2008, they went on to win the Geico Triple Crown and World Championship. He built many friendships through the years and many became family to him. Eric was the kind of guy who always put others before himself and truly loved helping whoever he could. His smile and heart of gold will be missed by so many. There will be a memorial service for Eric on November 23, 2024. Memorial Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00am until the time of the Memorial Service starting at 10:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke Ave in Utica. Family and friends are welcome to a luncheon provided by the family at Italian American Cultural Society and Banquet Center, 43843 Romeo Plank Rd. in Clinton Township. If you would like, dress in your best Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers or U of M attire to honor Eric and his love for these 3 teams. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to family to be used in accordance to Eric’s wishes. Please use the following link for donations on their Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/b612d381 Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Eric Joseph Hurttgam

November 1, 1956 - October 20, 2024