Eric T. Nivison, 29, died peacefully from complications of cerebral palsy, surrounded by loved ones at RWJ Somerset on March 19, 2019.
Born in New Brunswick, NJ, Eric lived most of his life in Hillsborough, moving into a Bridgewater group home of The Arc of Somerset County in June 2017. Eric was a proud graduate of Hillsborough schools and a fan of school sports teams and the marching bands. Despite his limited mobility and speech, his inclusion in the Hillsborough school district made him a familiar face around town.
Upon graduation, Eric attended the Jill Court Adult Training Center where he did piecework, but mostly socialized. Known to many for his loud enthusiasm, broad smile, and contagious laugh, Eric had a paradoxical combination of a stubborn yet empathetic and patient nature.
Eric was the proud recipient of two service dogs from Canine Companions for Independence: Anela, who predeceased him in 2016, and Riesling, who has been by his side since 2015.
Eric was predeceased by his father, William, and is survived by his mother, Lisa (Hammarstrom), brother Karl, future brother-in-law AJ, and numerous adoring family members, friends, and coworkers.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Eric’s legacy will live on through his generous organ donations with the NJ Sharing Network.
Memorial donations may be made to The ARC of Somerset County (www.thearcofsomerset.org), Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org), or the Make A Wish Foundation (wish.org).