Eric Allen Stegner

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Eric Allen Stegner, 53, who passed away on August 3, 2026.

Eric grew up in Lockport, New York. He proudly served in the United States Army from August 1990 to December 1992 and fulfilled his reserve obligation in February 1998. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Eric was recognized for his dedication and excellence in service, earning the Army Commendation Medal after achieving a perfect 1,000-point score in marksmanship.

After graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2000 with a degree in Packaging Science, Eric moved to North Carolina and began his career with IBM. During his nearly 15 years there, he built lasting friendships and meaningful professional relationships. He later continued his career with Lenovo and IQVIA before joining AbbVie in 2021. Eric's dedication to helping others extended well beyond the workplace. In his spare time, he was often found around the neighborhood taking on handyman projects and helping friends and neighbors, always willing to share his time, talents, and expertise.

Above all, Eric was a devoted husband. He married the love of his life, Julie Stegner, on February 26, 2016, and they shared a marriage filled with deep love, unwavering devotion, and true companionship until his passing. Their relationship was the cornerstone of his life and a reflection of the bond they cherished together.

Eric was known for his infectious smile, warm personality, and generous spirit. Dependable and selfless, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. If something needed to be done, Eric was the first to step forward. He deeply valued the friendships he cultivated throughout his life and remained loyal to those he loved.

Eric embraced life with enthusiasm. He worked hard, played hard, and found his greatest joy on the water. Whether gliding across the lake or performing flips in his air chair, he was happiest at the lake, which he often referred to as his “happy place.” His favorite destination was Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. A passionate sports fan, Eric was a lifelong supporter of the Buffalo Bills and an avid fan of both the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes. One of his final joys was watching the Hurricanes capture the Stanley Cup before his passing. A fierce competitor himself, Eric loved fantasy football, poker, and board games. He played to win and, way more often than not, he did. He was committed to fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, though he could never resist a good pepperoni pizza and sushi. After a lifetime of hard work and dedication, Eric looked forward to a well-earned retirement spent creating new memories and enjoying life's simple pleasures with Julie.

Eric was preceded in death by his father, Robert Allen Stegner. Eric is survived by his wife, Julie Stegner; his mother, Naomi Stegner; his brother, Robert Stegner; his sister-in-law, Annette Stegner; his beloved nieces, Ava, Addison, and Alexa, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; and his half-sister, Carlene Brown of Amherst, NY. In addition, Eric is survived by extended family and friends too numerous to name.

Eric's kindness, sense of humor, generosity, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Eric's life will be held at a later date.