Hillsborough Dad Who Died Of Brain Cancer Had 'Huge Heart, Generous Spirit'

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Devoted Hillsborough husband and father Edward T. Eick, Jr., age 55, recently died following his courageous 14-month fight against brain cancer.

He is being described as having a "huge heart and a generous spirit, and easily made friends wherever he went."

"Known by many for his unwavering positivity, Ed had a strong sense of humor passed down from his father, which he retained even after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2023," according to his obituary. "The way that he continued to joke and lighten the mood even from his hospital bed during treatments was admirable."

In October 2023, Eick was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue, according mayoclinic.org.

Eick was born on Aug. 25, 1969 in Staten Island, New York, and died peacefully at his home in Hillsborough, on Dec. 8 while surrounded by family.

He leaves behind a loving and dedicated wife, Christine Eick and 4 children: Adeline, age 6, Scarlett, age 21 months, and Tyler and Carson, both of Bridgewater, sons from his first marriage.

Adeline, whom Ed called his greatest hero and inspiration, is also battling brain cancer. Read More: Hillsborough 5-Year-Old And Dad Both Battling Brain Cancer Together

Ed graduated from Phillipsburg High School and worked at the Archdiocese of Newark as an asbestos removal supervisor for 10 years. After earning his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, he worked at the County of Somerset until 2019 when he retired to start a daycare in his home and spend time with his children.

Eick loved camping, hunting, fishing and being among nature. He took Tyler and Carson on many camping trips and enjoyed bringing Adeline and Scarlett to the local parks and playgrounds.

Eick was a jack of all trades, teaching himself how to play the piano, perform electrical work, grow and can vegetables, and woodworking. He played on a competitive billiards league and enjoyed golfing with his uncles.

Eick is survived by his father, Edward T. Eick, Sr. of Green Brook, and five siblings and many nieces and nephews: Eric Eick and wife Joyce Kuwae; Brian Eick, wife Kristin Eick and children Johnathon (Michelle), Paige, Eve and Gabriel; Bethany Dziedzic, husband Andrzej Dziedzic and children Cormac, Liam and Keegan; Kevin Eick, wife Manjula Chava and children Manav, Keera and Meena; and Gregory O'Callaghan.

He is also survived by his in-laws, Thomas and Donna Gianino, and Laura and Joseph Lombardi, and an extensive family support system of aunts and uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Micki O'Callaghan.

In order to grieve this profound loss, there is no visitation or memorial service at this time. A celebration of life will take place in January 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to two local charities that have provided immeasurable support to Ed and Adeline: Liv Like a Unicorn (www.livlikeaunicorn.org) and Steps Together (www.steps-together.org).

For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/adeline-prevails or facebook.com/adelineprevails or instagram.com/adelineprevails.

• See Related: Hillsborough 5-Year-Old And Dad Both Battling Brain Cancer Together
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• Related: Hillsborough 3-Year-Old Fighting Brain Cancer Needs Your Help

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