Local obituary: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, UMass student and House intern in D.C.

Eric Michael Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, passed away on July 1, 2025, tragically from a shooting in Washington, D.C., one mile from the White House. Eric was honored to be hired by Rep. Estes from Kansas for a summer internship as a Legislative Intern to the House of Representatives. His life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with passion, curiosity, and achievement. Eric was a beloved son, brother, nephew, grandson, student, and friend.

Eric was born on October 28, 2003, in Springfield, MA, the youngest of three children. He was a graduate of Granby Public Schools, and an alumnus of the Bement School in Deerfield, MA. He was a stellar student recognized for his academic excellence. He was a Latin enthusiast. Eric received Honors with passing the National Latin Exam, receiving a Gold Medal, The American Classical League, April 2020; Best Delegate Award, Boston College High School, March 2020; National Latin Exam Silver Medal, The American Classical League, April 2019; and National Latin Exam Summa Cum Laude, The American Classical League, April 2018. He was on Debate Club, Model UN, Chess Club, and Bowling Club during his high school years.

Eric attended Bryant University for finance his freshman year but wanted to come back to Massachusetts to be with his family. Eric received a scholarship to many universities but chose Bryant because of their reputation of being an excellent business school, plus he said, “I can fish the Rhode Island shores and lakes.” Eric was then accepted to Isenberg School of Management for his sophomore year and was honored to be part of the UMass/Isenberg Business School community. While at UMass, Eric was active in clubs on campus, including Ski Club, Armenian Club, Chess Club, Finance Society, and Investment Club.

Eric was honored to receive a full scholarship in January 2025 to attend the Fund for American Studies in Washington, D.C., along with being a full-time fellow with Advanced Advocacy from January 2025-May 2025 and while attending George Mason University full-time for the semester.

Eric started archery in 4th grade and then became a competitive recurve archer and competed in Jr. Olympic Archery Development. He competed in their competitions along with the USA Archery Nationals on many occasions and was a Level One Instructor for archery. Eric loved the archery community because of the encouragement to do your personal best and be part of a team.

Eric started fishing when he was a toddler on the R.I. waters with his siblings, grandpa, and parents. He would crab, fish, and when he got older loved clamming with his friends and family. Eric was a member of Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association along with his father. He frequently competed in tournaments, free dives to remove marine debris, and has supported RISAA’s initiatives before the Rhode Island Fisheries Commissions. He also belonged to Pioneer Valley Boat & Surf in Agawam, MA, where he was on the Board of Directors and the youngest board member ever. Eric met so many wonderful people at this club. He was in all their fishing tournaments, sold raffle tickets at the Sportsmen’s Show, and met many nice mentors at this club who honed in on how Eric cared about the environment and fishing while encouraging younger and older generations to participate in fishing. He has mentored people on the R.I. shores. Eric and his best fishing buddy, David Boggs, entered the Rhode Island Surfcasting Classic. Fishing Clubs from RI, CT, and MA participate, and this competition is held in the fall. Eric winning the trophy for the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf made Eric and the club so happy, especially David, his fishing buddy, during the tournament. He also loved ice fishing with his father and brother.

Eric’s presence was marked by a bright mind, quiet determination, and a quick wit.

We ask that you remember Eric for his kind heart, intelligence, his sense of justice, love of nature, and his unwavering curiosity. Eric was a humble old soul. He leaves behind his family, close friends, a university, and intern community that will feel his absence deeply.

Eric leaves his devoted parents Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym and Robert Jachym; his older sister Angela; his older brother Jeremy, all of Granby, and his best buddy, Hunter, the family German Short Hair Pointer who he had a very special bond with over the last 11 years. He leaves his Uncle and Aunt Michael and Patti Jachym of Monson; his Uncle and Godfather David and Jane Jachym of South Windsor, CT, and his Uncle Mark and Aunt Cathy from NC. He also leaves his Godmother Marisa Zulch and many cousins across the country, too numerous to mention. He was the grandson of the late Longin and Ursula Jachym of Wilbraham, and Evelyn Gurski Tarpinian and Harry Tarpinian of Ludlow and Westerly, RI.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 4-8 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095.

In memory of Eric, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations which helped educate and mentor Eric throughout his life. The Fund for American Studies at tfas.org/eric-tarpinian-jachym-memorial-scholarship/ or by mail to The Fund for American Studies Memo: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Memorial Scholarship, 1706 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 or to RISAA at www.risaa.org/the-foundation/ or by mail to RISAA P.O. Box 1467, Coventry, RI 02816. We will also have a future fishing derby in memory of Eric through the Pioneer Valley Boat and Surf Club in conjunction with other organizations. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com.

This local obituary is published via Legacy.com and Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation. Want a loved one’s obituary featured on Boston.com? Submit your obituary here, or email it to [email protected].