Eric A. Isaksen, 77, of Dartmouth Massachusetts passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025 after a period of declining health. Eric lived with Type I diabetes since the age of 6 and navigated that situation his entire life and ironically, that is not what ultimately took his life. He was the son of the late Doris L. Isaksen and Captain Louis W. “Willy” Isaksen. He was the brother of the late Kurt W. Isaksen, and Neil E. Isaksen. He is survived by a sister, Marit Isaksen of Dartmouth, and brother, William Isaksen of Lincoln, R.I. He is also survived by three nieces and a nephew.
Eric graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1966 and worked in landscaping for a while, which he was very good at. Later, he settled into working on his father’s fishing boats, Tempest, and then Cavalier. He served as the engineer on both vessels. He loved being on the water and later purchased and restored a small sailboat, Dagmar, which he moored in Quincy while he was living for a time in the Boston area, primarily in Cambridge and Belmont.
He was skilled in landscaping and engine maintenance, he also took pride in meticulous painting projects for family and friends. He enjoyed reading about many diverse topics, especially concerning local and marine history. He was famously trustworthy and well known for his sharp, dry wit and distinctively contagious laugh.
A celebration of this good man’s life will be held at the Seamen’s Bethel, 15 Johnnycake Hill in New Bedford, MA on Saturday, September 13, from 1-3pm.
Building is accessible and parking is on the neighborhood streets.
If you wish to make a donation in Eric’s honor, please send it to the American Diabetic Association