Eric Kafka, mental health specialist
Eric Kafka, 81, of Lewes passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.
Eric was born July 9, 1938, in Queens, N.Y. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from State University of New York in Albany. He spent two years teaching social studies on Long Island, N.Y., before receiving his doctorate degree in 1968 from Michigan State University.
Shortly thereafter, Eric became director of international services at the University of Pennsylvania. From there, he moved to Maryland and began a 30-plus-year career with the State of Maryland, first at the University of Maryland, then at Prince Georges County Community Mental Health Clinic, where he met his wife, Dorothy Cartagena, and finally at St. Mary’s College. After retiring from St. Mary’s, he spent a year providing mental health services to the elderly. He settled in Lewes in 2004 and established a private psychology practice, which he operated until his retirement in 2013.
In retirement, Eric found great pleasure in playing pickleball, and in the discovery of music and song. Music became an integral part of his life. He studied piano and voice, and joined CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Cape Henlopen Senior Center Chorus. He was also very active with the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, part of the time serving as president. Eric also participated at the Food for Thought gatherings at the Lewes Public Library.
Eric prided himself on keeping physically fit, regularly visiting the gym and doing scores of push-ups and chin-ups with ease. An avid walker, he enjoyed walking around his community and on the beach.
Eric also had a lifelong love of fashion and looking sharp – he was named Best Dressed his senior year of high school – and took immense joy in shopping and finding hidden gems in thrift shops.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Eric is survived by his children Evan Kafka, Sara Ganoza and Katie Kafka; daughter-in-law Christiane Kafka and son-in-law Alejandro Ganoza; brother Paul Kafka and sister-in-law Marjorie Kafka; and grandchildren Sophie and Wyatt Kafka, and Camila, Alexa and Santiago Ganoza.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m., at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eric’s oncologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital Cancer Center, Daniel Laheru, MD, 1650 Orleans St., CRB1 4M09, Baltimore, MD 21287. Please note on the check memo line “In Memory of Eric Kafka.”
