Atlantic City, NJ – Eric Hatke, a dedicated Mechanical Engineer and active member of his community, passed away on September 2, 2023, at the age of 58 in Atlantic City, NJ.
Eric was born on May 23, 1965, in Princeton, NJ, to parents Fred and Judith Hatke. He graduated from Princeton Day School in 1983 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Lafayette College in 1987. During his college years, Eric was a varsity swimmer and a member of the varsity fencing team, showcasing his athleticism and dedication.
His career with the US Navy began as a Mechanical Engineer and later saw him rise to the position of Chief Mechanical Design Engineer. Eric was known for his active involvement in the community, volunteering his time and expertise. He served on the boards of his childhood swim club, Lenape, the Hopewell Valley Golf Club, and the Hopewell Township Zoning Board of Adjustments. Always willing to lend a hand, he coached and tutored those in need, spending years tutoring at Pennington Prep. His dedication also extended to officiating with US Swimming and PASDA.
Eric possessed a remarkable talent for woodworking, finding joy in crafting and building furniture during his leisure time. His passions included golf, softball, swimming, skiing, cycling, and trap/skeet shooting. He held a private pilot’s license and had a deep love for flying. The beach, particularly in Ocean City, NJ, was a place of solace and happiness for him.
Known for his unfailing kindness and compassion, Eric was ever-ready to assist neighbors and friends in need. However, his greatest source of joy in life was his two children, Emilianne and the late Ethan Hatke, for whom he would do anything.
Eric exchanged vows with Theresa Rivet Bracco on October 16, 1993, in Princeton, NJ, and together they had two children, Emilianne and Ethan Hatke, both of Pennington.
He is survived by his spouse and daughter, Theresa and Emilianne Hatke of Pennington, NJ, his mother Judith Hatke of Skillman, NJ, his brother and sister-in-law Gary and Heidi Hatke of Westford, MA, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jennifer and John Young of Bradley Beach, NJ, his niece and nephew Anna and Christian Hatke of Westford, MA, his nieces Madison and Morgan Young of Bradley Beach, NJ, and numerous close friends and cousins.
Eric is preceded in death by his son Ethan Hatke and his father Fred Hatke.
The memorial service for Mr. Eric Hatke will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, also at Blackwell Memorial Home in Pennington, NJ.
A private burial will follow at Pennington Cemetery, Pennington, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Eric’s name to the Ethan J Hatke Memorial Fund through CharitySmith.org.
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