Eric Christopher Wurzel

Eric Christopher Wurzel

Beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and respected businessman.

August 11, 1967 – May 16, 2025

It is with broken hearts that we share the sudden passing of Eric C. Wurzel on May 16, 2025, at the age of 57, due to complications from a sudden respiratory illness.

Eric was a devoted husband, an adoring father, a trusted friend, and a brilliant, one-of-a-kind soul. He brought laughter, wisdom, and fierce love into every room he entered. To know him was to be seen, heard, challenged, and often entertained.

Professionally, Eric spent over 30 years in the healthcare industry, dedicated to helping employers and employees navigate the complex world of group insurance. He began his career at Great West Life & Annuity and later thrived at Oxford Health Plans, where he emerged as a standout leader. During his time at Oxford Health Plans, which later became UnitedHealthcare, in New York City, he was the top organizational salesperson for nine consecutive years. He went on to spend several years as a partner at Travers O’Keefe before founding his own firm, Bold Lion Brokerage. He chose the name to reflect his faith and fearless approach to life, inspired by Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

Eric’s expertise made him a trusted voice well beyond the boardroom. He was quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Crain’s, and his writing appeared in National Underwriter Magazine. He was a featured guest on CNBC’s Power Lunch. He did everything with sharp intellect, deep conviction, and a touch of irreverent humor that was unmistakably Eric.

Born in Boston, Eric attended Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied Finance and Economics and was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity.

Though he made his home in Charleston, South Carolina, finding joy in coastal life through boating, fishing, and a close-knit circle of southern friends, his heart was never far from Boston. It was there he grew up among lifelong friends and remained a devoted fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. Above all, his very favorite pastime was simply being with his family.

Eric looked forward to Sundays because it meant one thing: church day. He cherished the powerful sermons and was deeply moved by the worship at his home church, Seacoast. It was a sacred rhythm that brought him joy, strength, and clarity each week. But more than anything, Eric loved Jesus. His faith guided him, grounded him, and gave him purpose. He didn’t just talk about what he believed; he lived it boldly, with generosity, humility, and courage.

Eric is survived by his beloved wife, Allie Wurzel; their son, Tanner; and his sons, Jake, Liam, and Kevin. He is also survived by his father, Carl Wurzel; his mother, Florence Wurzel; his sisters, Heidi Wurzel, Kristin Wurzel, and Cara Stanley; and his two cherished dogs, Aussie Jean and Piper Blue.

A Celebration of Life honoring Eric’s extraordinary journey will be held on June 2nd at 2:00 PM at Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. A reception will follow at The Yacht Club at The Fish House at Charleston Harbor & Marina, a place especially meaningful to Eric as it was where he kept his boat and loved to be on the water. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heroes on the Water, Lowcountry South Carolina Chapter, an organization that reflects Eric’s deep love of fishing and his profound appreciation for veterans, first responders, and active-duty military members.

The family is exceedingly grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. We invite you to keep his memory alive by living boldly and loving deeply, just as he did.