Eric Valainis of Walkersville, MD departed this life on June 2, 2017 at Frederick Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born February 13, 1967 in Bethesda, MD. At age 7, Eric was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. For 43 years he fought courageously against the adverse effects of this horrific disease. The last 10 years of his life he suffered immensely from a plethora of health issues stemming from T1. His wife often described him as a warrior because he never gave up the fight…even to the very end.

He spent most of his childhood in the Wheaton/Rockville area where he attended Wheaton High School in the class of 1985.  After high school, he began his 17 year career in the auto glass industry. From there he pursued and excelled as a Personal Protection Specialist and Private Investigator; which was his true passion.

Those who knew him will remember his amazing smile, his sarcastic sense of humor and his fierce loyalty to those he cared for. He will fondly be remembered as Valainis McGyver, he could fix anything.  Eric was a very talented artist. He loved heavy metal music, motor cross, his Harley Davidson (his other wife) and he simply adored his children and grandchildren.

Eric is survived by his soulmate and wife of 27 years; Joann and his beautiful daughters- Amber Valainis Zaharoff (and Darren Zaharoff, the son he always wanted), Brooke Valainis and Meagan Posey, his parents- Lidia Jaime-Rizzo and George Valainis (Deb), his sisters- Thanya Pinto (Mike) and Dina Sharpe (Brian), his Abuela- Emilia Usenica, his grandchildren- Summer Mae and Cameron Eric Zaharoff and Nathan, Mya, Aaliyah and Layla Patterson, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Alex Valainis, Grandparents Donats and Valerie Valainis, Luis Usenica and Uncle, John Valainis.

Visitation will be held on Thursday June 8th at Walker’s Overlook 8939 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville, MD 21793.

Receiving of friends and family will take place from 12-2pm and 3-5pm with services to begin at 5pm.

A Celebration of Life party with food and drinks will be served immediately following the services. Please come as you are (casual dress and concert t-shirts acceptable) to help the family celebrate Eric’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the family via GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/wife-and-daughters-of-eric-valainis (or) Faustman Lab (A non-profit clinical trial to reverse type 1 diabetes) http://faustmanlab.org/support/support.html

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