Erika K. Jurich

Erika Kristina Jurich passed away in Green Brook, New Jersey on February 3, 2025 at the age of 85.

Erika was born on October 14, 1940 in Zagreb, Croatia to Viktor and Matilda (Prasch) Kasaj.

Erika completed a four-year civil engineering technical school and worked as a designer for a civil engineering firm in Zagreb. She was an integral surveyor and designer of the Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) in Croatia between Rijeka and Dubrovnik, one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. After moving to the United States in 1970 with her husband Milan “Mitch” “Mico” Jurich and three children, she worked for over 30 years in retail at Gertz, Sterns and Macys. She took great pride in her work, winning multiple awards including Associate of the Year and member of the Presidents Club.

Erika is survived by her husband Milan, her daughter Stella D’Ermilio, her sons Tibor Jurich and David Jurich, David’s partner Beth LaGrange, her grandson Nicholas D’Ermilio and his wife Rachel (Hamway) D’Ermilio. Erika was the heart and soul of her family. Milan and Erika were so close after 61 years of marriage, they worked together as one, side by side, anticipating each other’s move without any words needing to be spoken.

Erika was warm, caring, positive and friendly. She loved to dance, mingle with friends and laugh, she was always up for a good time. Whoever knew her, loved her. She was a great, caring listener, she spoke with her family and friends on a daily basis and offered compassion, support and grounded advice to anyone and everyone who was lucky enough to be part of her circle. She was the best nana any child could ask for, she spent a lot of time caring for and loving her only grandchild Nicholas. And he loved her back just the same. She loved most of all to cook and bake for her family and friends, all done with great love and instinct, making the most fantastic meals, cakes and cookies. Her Christmas cookies were legendary and in demand by family, their coworkers, and all of her friends and neighbors. She was happy to feed the world. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting down with family and friends for a game of Mexican Train. She was an avid golfer and epic world traveler. She loved nature, the mountains, fishing and camping in the Adirondacks, flowers, birds and all animals. She was energetic and enthusiastic about everything - a real “energizer bunny”.

Erika was always one to celebrate life and look to the positive. We will not mourn her but celebrate her light in us.

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM, at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home located at 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ.

Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12, at 1pm at Pinelawn Memorial Cemetery, Farmingdale, Long Island, NY.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Erika’s favorite charities – Red Cross and Plant a Tree.

All arrangements are under the care and supervision of Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home.