Eric Galen Anthamatten

Eric Galen Anthamatten, 43, tragically passed on May 22, 2021 in San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca, Mexico while traveling.  Eric was born in Galveston, Texas at St. Mary’s Hospital, Galveston, TX on February 23, 1978.  Eric graduated from Dickinson High School, Dickinson, TX in 1996, National Honor Society, lettered in Football receiving All District honorable mention.  He received the following degrees:  B.S. Political Science – Texas A&M University (2000), MA Philosophy – Texas A&M University (2003), and a Ph.D. – The New School University (2014). During his undergraduate studies at Texas A & M, he was an Official Rhodes Scholar Nominee in 2001 and 2002.  Up to the time of his passing, Eric taught in the following universities:  Professor, The New School, Global Studies Program, New York City, NY.  Post-doctoral Teaching Fellow, and Instructor, Philosophy and Human Nature, and Ethics, Fordham University, the Bronx, New York City, NY. Visiting Instructor, Social Science & Cultural Studies, Pratt University, Brooklyn, New York City, NY.  Part-Time Asst. Professor, Parsons School of Design, New York City, NY.

Eric was a talented, multidisciplinary writer, philosopher, teacher, musician, and filmmaker.  From the age of 7, he was dedicated to training in various martial arts, consistently establishing himself as an accomplished competitor in tournaments, and becoming a 6th degree black belt in karate.  He published essays on racism, incarceration, education, and emancipation in The New York Times, The Mantle, The Atlantic, and other newspapers and magazines. He participated as a sound designer and performer on various theater productions.  A tireless advocate for prison reform, he dedicated many years to the project of creating The Museum of the Incarcerated American, an installation aimed at expanding the public debate around mass incarceration.  Eric was a passionate, dedicated, committed educator. His courses addressed hard questions and complex material and approached the classroom with great responsibility, openness, and a willingness to learn continuously.

Eric loved all living things, enjoyed many travels throughout the world, and making many dear friends along the way.  He was known by all as a kind, compassionate and loving person.  He sometimes used the name Eric Anthamatten-Dominguez to honor his beloved Mother as Dominguez was her maiden’s name.  Eric is survived by his parents:  Fred and Mary Anthamatten, brother Dustin Anthamatten, sister Kara Cranfill, her husband Allan Cranfill, their children Isabell and Philip, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and lifelong friends and colleagues worldwide.

Preceding Eric’s passing were his loving grandparents Paul and Gladys Anthamatten, Catalina Telles, and Gilbert Dominguez, and his beloved nephew Joshua Cranfill.

Visitation will be at Crowder Funeral Home, 851 Farm to Market 517 Rd W, Dickinson, TX 77539, Friday, June 11, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.  The funeral service will 10:00 a.m. at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, 300 Fm 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX 77539

Pallbearers for the service are Dustin Anthamatten, Patrick Dominguez Steve Moore, Al Garza, Shay Smith, Jesse Dykman.

Eric set the groundwork for continuing his work for education of the incarcerated.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Eric Anthamatten-Dominguez Memorial Fund. The Eric Anthamatten-Dominguez Memorial Fund will support the Education Department at The Fortune Society. The Fortune Society’s mission is to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. Through his life work, Eric embodied this mission. https://donate.fortunesociety.org/give/343398/#!/donation/checkout

19 comments

  1. A bright light left us too soon. He was open with his soul, vulnerable, and a truth-teller. That is why we all loved him. May his family feel all that love now as they grieve this loss.

    Pam
  2. A bright soul taken from this Earth all too soon! You will be missed.

    Trevor Braselton
  3. What an incredible human being. Eric had a deep understanding of shared sacrifice while understanding the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. I am in awe of his accomplishments. The human condition is about lifting your fellow man up. Thank you, Eric for making that your life’s mission.

    Wendy Dominguez
  4. The world lost a true treasure in Eric that spread love ,kindness,& laughter through out the world.Loved and missed by so many. We must follow his example.

    Sharon Anthamatten
  5. What a gift Eric was to this world!! May you focus on the memories of what he accomplished in 43 years.

    Lianne Beel
  6. Eric was a beacon of light in this world. I will always carry a part of him with me, drawing from his passion to fight for those who felt voiceless. Forever in our hearts, Eric. Rest In Peace…..a life well-lived.

    Lisa Cranfill
  7. From Eric I shall always carry a forceful spirit of liberation – to be shared freely as all life’s best gifts must be. Sending a beloved roommate and eternal friend off into the great beyond with that generosity and a bright, open heart, full of freedom and passion for life.

    Gabi
    • Fred, Mary, Dustin and Kara,
      May God wrap you in his arms and give you comfort during this very hard time and May your memories continue to fill your hearts with love always of your wonderful
      Son Eric.
      My love and prayers are with you all!

      Cynthia Carlson
  8. May the memory of Eric give peace and strength to his family. He was an amazing person and his life and his memory will always be celebrated.

    Marifel Malacara
  9. What a gifted teacher and brilliant presence! We will miss Eric at Pratt and please know he made a profound contribution to our faculty and students. Sending peace and strength.

    Macarena Gomez Barris
  10. My condolences to Eric’s friends and family. I’ve only known him for a short time as a colleague at Parsons but he was such a light with a huge heart that has made a lasting impression on me. Sending love to you all.

    Antonia Craig
  11. So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Eric. My prayers are with you and your loved ones.

    Brenda Lera
  12. Loved Eric so very much. Enjoyed always having Eric in our home. Loved all his and Shays sporting events. Shay and Eric were so very close .A&M brothers.Eric was so special,at DHS. Love you Mary,Fred,and Dustin. Sending prayers to soothe your heart’s.Love each of you, Kay Odom

    Kay Aubuchon Odom
  13. My deepest condolences to Eric’s family and friends. He was one of life’s truly special people, and his loss is felt by so many of us. May your memories be a blessing and a comfort.

    Sophie (Cathro) Mitchell
  14. The entire Dickinson community is feeling the loss of your incredible, generous and beloved Eric. Please know that our thoughts will be with your family in this most difficult time. Eric was a true blessing to so many people. His stories and adventures will stay with us for many years.
    Kat Baldwin-Bruysschaard

    Kat Baldwin-Bruysschaard
  15. He was a beautiful man. Amazing beyond words. It’s too much to ask that we have to let him go.

    Melissa Clarke
  16. Mary,
    Kathy Roeser just told me about Eric. I am so very sorry. There just are no words. What a wonderful young man he became. I just remember him as one of your two precious little boys. My thoughts and prayers go with you as you try and navigate through these foreign waters of loss. May you feel the peace of God that passeth hall understanding. Hugs to you, Mary.
    Lots of love,
    Debbie Lucas (Cannon)

    Debbie Lucas
  17. I read one of Eric’s essays and became a huge fan. I came across his work through Nomadic Press. I really loved reading his essays; and, I told him this on his social media account. He is one of the most inspiring men I ever came across. I am extremely shocked to hear this traumatic news. I am having trouble processing this news! I have known him briefly; but, I know that I will miss him a lot.

    Arzoo Zaheer
  18. Hey Eric, I hope you rest in heaven now.
    Your word was God’s word.
    It was both thoughtful and poetic.
    You left us early,
    With an end so authentic.
    But nothing was incomplete.
    You were more than a heart beat
    A rare perfection
    In the beginning.

    My deepest condolences to Eric’s family and friends. Please publish all of his great works. That is how poets live forever.

    Sam Tides

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