Support of the McChesney Clan

Erich Gerald McChesney  - Obituary
Virginia Beach - Erich Gerald McChesney, age 43, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 6th 2016 after a difficult battle with a devastating illness. Erich is survived by his wife, Mary Phelan McChesney, daughter Hannah Phelan McChesney, mother-in-law, Laura Lilieberg, and step-father-in-law, Carl Lilieberg, all of Virginia Beach, VA; brother-in-law, Mike Phelan, sister-in-law, Lindy Cartwright Phelan, and father-in-law, John M. Phelan, all of Kill Devil Hills, NC; as well as his aunt, Virginia McChesney, of Rome, GA. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as numerous friends who became his family. He created sisters of Cori Simmons Triano and Danielle Burns and brothers of Andrew Lasher, Eric Loulies and Kevin Littrell.

Erich was born in San Bernardino, CA, March 30, 1973, and spent the first part of his life in Turkey and Germany. He moved back to the states in the 80's when his father was stationed at Langley Air Force base. After his father retired from the U.S. Air Force, they moved to Virginia Beach where Erich graduated from Cox High School in 1992. Erich then joined the US Army as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper where he served with honor, winning many awards and advancing quickly. Erich studied Computer Science and Information Technology following his military service, completing multiple degrees and certifications before going to work for several local companies supporting their computer and network needs. His final career move married two things he loved the most: the US Army and computers. As a member of the CRGT team at Ft Eustis military base they serviced the contract for the Army Learning Management System (ALMS), helping soldiers go to school and complete needed training.

Erich was a wonderful father, husband, friend, soldier, leader, veteran and family member. He never met a stranger and fulfilled his desire for a big, boisterous, happy family through Mary's huge family and with the many special people he met throughout his life. From high school in Virginia Beach, to the Army in North Carolina, and the last few decades in Norfolk, he created tribes of people who loved him for life and will continue to love him forever.

Erich had a wonderful and generous spirit. He gave his heart and soul to everything he did and to anyone he knew and cared about. Most people know of his time in the US Army and his love for his country and military brothers, but they may not know that he was also generous in many other ways including driving a truck for the Samaritan House; sheltering and fostering dogs for a rescue foundation; giving his time, money, and support to the Red Cross, wounded warriors, Joy Fund, United Way, Girls on the Run, Hannah's school and music events, and many other worthy causes that were close to his or his family's heart. By far the most generous aspect of Erich's spirit was the support he gave to those he loved. If Mary or Hannah loved it, Erich loved it. Highest on Erich's priority list was attending every play, recital, performance, and event where Hannah was a participant. He never missed a moment where he was needed in the 13+ years he had with his wife and daughter, whether it was a teacher meeting, party pick up, mall run or opening night of a new comic book or cartoon movie. He could even be found dressing up for a tea party or spa party in ways that only a dad would tolerate for his little girl.

Erich was an adventurer and also man of extremes. He was mouthy, sarcastic, funny and wild at heart, yet he also loved to meditate, do Tai Chi, read books, and build computers for hours on end. He had the unique ability to be still and at peace one moment, then rally and be the life of the part the next. And Erich did love a party! These were the best opportunities to use a good joke, catchphrase or sarcastic banter on his guests. He loved to dance, sing, drink good bourbon, smoke great cigars, eat any kind of spicy food and plenty of North Carolina BBQ and fried chicken!

On any given weekend Erich could be found around a fire pit, enjoying homemade moonshine in Goshen, on the Eastern Shore blowing stuff up with the guys, cultivating bonsai trees or orchids at Eggleston Garden Center, making beautiful Mala beads, mowing his yard (or critiquing Kevin's), or playing a new video game while pretending not to hear Mary yelling up the stairs for him all evening long. He loved to sail, snorkel, search for unique stones or rocks, and would even occasionally watch Mary "sprout freckles" while they sat on the beach for hours in the summer. He never understood Mary's love of sandy magazines and PB&J beach days, but he tolerated many hours of both for her.

Erich was generous to all with his love, time and most importantly - his famous hugs! Erich McChesney hugs were better than any chiropractic adjustment you could get and his sincere desire to make you feel better could heal all aches and warm even the coldest hearts, hands, and moments. His commitment to excellence improved his own life as well as the lives of others in so many ways, but most importantly he gave others a shining example of what friendship and a family member should look like.

Erich's family would like to thank the many friends and extended family who have supported them throughout his illness. From cards, calls, visits and gifts, you have lightened our hearts and we have felt your never ending support. Dr. John Agola, Dr. Alex Grunsfeld and Dr. Peter K. Nelson, and their teams gave us hope and the Neurology ICU doctors and nursing staff at Sentara Norfolk General delivered the most amazing care. We will cherish the knowledge that Erich was cared for with excellence and love through each step of his journey.

There will be a celebration of Erich's life on Saturday May 14th at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach at 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 11, 2016


Original Campaign Message:
DONATE TO HELP ERICH

After enduring a 9 hour surgery, Erich McChesney is currently resting at Norfolf Sentara Hospital in a penobarbital enduced sleep.  This dangerous surgery was performed to fix an ever growing aneurism at the base of his brain and spine.  This aneurism  began by inflicting migraines but over time grew into a "golf ball" sized mass that began robbing him of his ability to swallow, talk, walk and now even breath.
Approximately 5 years ago Erich begin suffering from debilitating migraine headaches.  His symptoms grew worse over time, and after seeing several specialists they learned that Erich suffered from a basilar arterial anyeurism.  
After this devestating news, Erich and and his family have been suffering both emotionally and financially.
Erich stooped working 12/6/2015 when he could no longer drive.  He has applied for long-term disability, but as many of you know this can take 6 months to a year to be approved
During this fight for Erichs life, him and his wife Mary have had to give up their home and move in with family.  Mary, his wife  has even had to stop working to care for him and their teenage daughter.

Currently, while Erich rests, the doctors have increased  the shunt, (drainage from brain) so that it will drain at a higher rate while he is asleep. The goal of both tactics will be to rest the brain and allow the swelling to go down and the pressure on his brain stem to be relieved, which will allow him to start breathing on his own and hopefully allow him to begin regaining movement.
Erich is looking at a long road in rehab. He will have to deal with some extremely challenging circumstances. Changes in behavior, mood and emotions are common after surgery. Some patients also may experience deficits in cognitive, or thinking, abilities. Such changes present challenges for caregivers trying to help the patient recover.

Any donations would go to the ever growing, mountain of medical bills and to cover other financial necessities.  
Any donations will bring relief to a very difficult situation.  As a family member, I felt the need to reach out to her vast network of friends and family on their behalf.

Please help us support this family during this difficult period!