Middleton - Eric Michael Allen, 48, of Middleton, died on December 16th at the Lahey Medical Center in Burlington. Born in Boston on August 9, 1977, he was the son of Eric Allen and Ann Marie Musumeci.

From a young age, Eric defined himself through dedication and hard work. At just 15, he embraced the responsibilities of fatherhood, leaving high school to support his family at Sunray Bakery in Beverly. When the family business closed, Eric demonstrated his determination to overcome hardship by working his way up from a Janitor to a Manager at the Waterpark of New England in Danvers MA. He was a natural born leader who earned deep love and respect from his team through his down-to-earth nature.

Though he lacked a formal diploma, Eric was a lifelong seeker of wisdom who believed that "knowledge is power." He was a man of profound intellect and wit, always eager to engage in deep, soulful discussion. At just 48 after battling his health issues, Eric's humor in his final moments remained his gift to his family —cracking jokes and providing light during such a devastating time. He embraced the end with courage and dignity with his favorite reminder: "We are all dying, act accordingly."

Eric is survived by his children, Eric and Ashley; his beloved wife, Natasha; his mother, Ann Marie Musumeci; his father Eric Allen, and Great-Grandmother Frances.

He was preceded in death and joins his late sister Stefanie Allen, grandfather Michael Brienza, and Uncle Tony, in Peace.

We will love and miss you every day. "See you on the other side."

A Celebration of Life for Eric will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campellfuneral.com.