Eric Anthony Cioppa

CHINA – Eric Anthony Cioppa, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away from Multiple System Atrophy, May 1, 2026, at his home in China, surrounded by loved ones. Born on Aug. 11, 1958, in Willsboro, N.Y., he was the youngest of five children of Anthony and Marion (Patterson) Cioppa. Eric grew up in a close-knit household that shaped the love and affection he later poured into his own family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Kathryn Ann (Houghton) Cioppa; and dear friends Don and Sharon Abrams.

Eric met his wife, Kathryn, in August 1980 during a 10-day Wilderness Workshop college course in the Adirondacks, where their connection was immediate and enduring. They married on Aug. 14, 1982, in Willsboro, N.Y., beginning a 42-year marriage marked by deep affection, mutual admiration, and unwavering love. Together they built a life centered on their children, shared adventures, and enjoyed summers at their camp on China Lake. Eric was happiest there with Kathryn, their children, and later, their grandchildren, enjoying days of swimming, boating, and spending time with their cherished camp neighbors.

A gifted athlete, Eric was a skilled basketball player whose team-first mindset shaped his life and career. He built a distinguished 33-year career at the Maine Bureau of Insurance, beginning in 1988 as a statistician and ultimately serving as superintendent of insurance from 2011 until his retirement in 2022. Not only did Eric’s leadership influence Maine insurance policy for decades, but Eric also held national leadership roles within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, serving as its president in 2019. He also represented state regulators on the U.S. Financial Stability Oversight Council, serving two terms in 2018 and 2020.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Eric’s proudest role was that of husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter, Ryann Fortney and husband, Chris, of Windham, son, Zachary Cioppa and wife, Maureen, of China; grandchildren, Callaway Fortney, Quinn Cioppa and Anthony Cioppa; siblings, Tim Cioppa and his wife Elena, Terri Cioppa, Andrea Stewart and her husband Keith, Tracey Cioppa; as well as many special nieces and nephews; and many close friends who enriched every stage of his life.

The family extends a heartfelt and special thank-you to Eric’s caregivers, who became like family in his final years and whose compassion brought comfort and dignity to his days.

A celebration of life will be held on May 23, at the Maple Hill Farm, 11 Inn Rd., Hallowell, ME 04347 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric’s memory to the

China Village Volunteer Fire Department

P.O. Box 6035

China Village, ME 04926

or the

Micheal J. Fox Foundation

P.O. Box 5014

Hagerstown, MD 21741