LCDR Eric Paul "Vinny" Newstrom

Eric Paul Newstrom, loving son of Herb and Sharon Newstrom, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Eric was born on February 5, 1962, in San Jose, CA. He grew up in Connecticut where he attended Simsbury High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Eric was a career naval aviator, flying the A-6 Intruder in several operations, including Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was a highly decorated career “Navy Man” who served his country honorably and retired after 20 years as a Lieutenant Commander. During his Navy career and after his retirement, Eric, or “Vinny” as he was known to his friends in and around the naval community, spent many years in Kingsville, Texas. He and Beau, his beloved Schnoodle that he inherited from his father Herb after Herb’s passing, lived a “warm and breezy” south Texas lifestyle until his unexpected passing.

Eric’s love of flying was a constant in his life from the time he received his wings after Air Officer Candidate School to his retirement as a contract pilot for ATSI in Kingsville. While Eric was a single man with no children of his own, he loved his niece Emily and nephew Drew like they were his own kids. He spent a lot of his free time with his brother Curtis, sister-in-law Lynn and his aforemeentioned niece and nephew enjoying Lake Conroe and surrounding golf courses. Eric was a kind and gentle soul that loved to laugh at old stories from his and his friends’ and family’s adventures in Texas, Connecticut, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Virginia and California. He had a wonderful life and was a true American Hero!

He was preceded in death by his mother Sharon and father Herbert. 

Eric is survived by his younger brother, Curtis Newstrom.

Memorial service plans are in progress and will be communicated to friends and family as soon as possible.