Ikechukwu Erike

Ikechukwu “Ike” Erike passed away on the 12th of June 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital at 3:45 p.m. at the age of 37 years old.  He is survived by his mother, Tracy Neilly-Erike, his father, John Erike, older siblings, sister, Dr. Chinwe Erike, and older brother, Chidi Erike, and younger siblings, brother, Obinna Erike, and sister, Chioma Erike, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Ike was the third child born to Tracy and John in East Harlem (aka El Barrio), NY on the 24th of April 1985. He left home at the tender age of 17 years old to start his university career at Western New England University.  He has been hustling since a child and as a 21-year-old new graduate he became a manager at UPS, where he had to learn to command respect from men and women twice is age.  Ike did this by learning every position on the job and no job was too menial for him. By 23-year-old, Ike saved up enough money to buy his first home, and he continued to hustle and do a number of other jobs with his last job being at WestRock as a Region Manager, which he had just started a few months ago.  No matter what job or situation Ike was in, he believed in treating people fairly and kindly no matter what their position or title.

Ike also enjoyed cooking and baking, which he learned from his grandmother, Mrs. Beryl Neilly.  At 11 years old he had perfected his Ghirardelli chocolate chip recipe, and later on he would go on to make the best lobster tails and steak.  Ike also had a playful side to him and you knew that if you were in his presence, you would be having a full belly laugh.  His Aunt Tosha and several other family members and friends could attest to this.  He also loved his sports and spent countless minutes in the car with his Uncle Chike who would often transport him to basketball courts and baseball fields. 

In addition, to the laughs and sports, lke still had dreams and aspirations he wanted to achieve.  He had told his Aunt Jean repeatedly for the past few months that his goal was to apply for an MBA/Law program and he said to his mother, Tracy that it was time for him to settle down and perhaps get married and start a family. 

Lastly, he told his mother how important it was to be authentic, kind, and caring to others in this chaotic and challenging world. Ike believed in unconditional love and we pray that we will continue to honor his legacy for years to come.

The viewing of his body will be held on the 24th of June 2022 at Hartnett Funeral Home on 561 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. And, his funeral service will take place on the 25th of June 2022 at the United Methodist Church on 720 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and then Ike will be buried at Greenfield Cemetery on 650 Nassau Road, Uniondale, NY at 1:30 p.m. And, a repast will take place after the burial at the United Methodist Church from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

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