Steven Eric Sliwinski

SCARBOROUGH – Steven Eric Sliwinski, 50, passed away gently and peacefully on Sunday, April 25, 2021.Eric was born in Portsmouth, N.H. on August 12, 1970. He was the third son of Fred Sliwinski and Donna Palmer. Eric grew up in Milton Mills, N.H. and later South Portland and North Yarmouth, Maine. He graduated from Greely High School in 1990. After a short stint at SMCC, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Whidbey Island. His was the first U.S. warship to enter the Black Sea since the Russian seizure.After a paralyzing injury due to a dive into a deceptively shallow lake, Eric’s life was forever changed. Newly quadriplegic, he had to learn myriads of complex methods for completing everyday tasks. Eric persevered, always finding a way to continue following his passion for driving by quickly learning to operate a handicap van.Eric enjoyed motor sports especially NASCAR, riding his ATV, and keeping vehicles that were special to him. He was an avid collector of unusual items and O27 model railroads. Eric was especially proud of his house where he worked very closely with the architect to design the home of his dreams. An immensely generous person, Eric enjoyed helping his friends achieve their own goals as fervently as he strived to fulfill his own. His warm personality attracted a tightly-knit community of friends that cared for him as deeply as family. He is survived by his parents Donna Palmer and Frederick Sliwinski, stepparents Steven Palmer and Barbara Sliwinski; brothers Frederick Paul Sliwinski, David Sliwinski, Jay Palmer, and Kent Langloss; and his beloved nieces Mallory Palmer, Zoë Sliwinski, and Sarah Palmer.The family is very thankful for all the help given to Eric from his friends and especially, his dear friend and housemate, Rob Snyder. Rob gave Eric the opportunity to live independently surrounded by the people he loved. Visiting hours celebrating Eric’s life will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Following state mandates, all attendees are required to wear a mask. To watch the livestream of Eric’s funeral on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 3 p.m. , please visit http://www.facebook.com/conroytullywalker To view Eric’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.comThose who wish may make contributions in Eric’s memory to:The Travis MillsFoundation1002 Watson Pond Rd.Rome, ME 04963