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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Eric Martin

Eric “Bink” Michael Martin passed away at his home on October 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the age of 59.

Eric was a kind soul, a good listener, a loyal friend, and a natural storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. He graduated from Brandywine High School in 1986 and worked as an estate manager for 17 years for a loving family, building lasting relationships through his dedication and care.

Music was one of Eric’s greatest passions. A lifelong bass player, he performed in several bands, including the beloved Gilpin Street Band, and loved attending concerts, where he felt most alive. He also had a deep love of history and an incredible ability to share random facts with anyone willing to listen. His stories about the good old days were legendary, even when they were told more than once!

Some of Eric’s most treasured memories were made fishing with his only daughter, Isabella McMichael, who survives him alongside her husband, Brandon McMichael, and his cherished grandson, James McMichael.

He is also lovingly remembered by his fiancée, Kimberly Giles, her daughters, Samantha Giles and Jessie Giles, and Jessie’s children, Gianna, Vincenzo, and Jayden. Eric welcomed Jessie’s children as his own grandchildren, loving them as family and embracing the special place they held in his life. His love extended beyond bloodlines, reflecting the kindness and generosity of the man he was.

Eric will be remembered for his kindness, humor, love of music, endless stories, and the meaningful connections he made throughout his life. Though his family and friends will deeply miss his presence, his memory will live on in every familiar song, every story retold, and every moment shared with those he loved.

He will be forever loved and never forgotten.

Funeral Services

A Memorial Service for Eric will be held on Wednesday October 21, at 11:00am at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE.  Friends are invited to call upon the family beginning at 10am.

Condolences

    Steve Long lit a candle and writes,
    This man was my best friend for over 30 yrs i will miss him till the end of time. Bella so sorry for your loss, im feeling the pain too. Till we meet again my friend 💔
    10/12/2026 09:00 pm
    Bella Martin lit a candle and writes,
    I love you dad. I wish I could talk to you one last time. i miss you
    10/12/2026 09:00 pm
    Mike Carmody writes,
    I’m at a complete loss for words. Eric was such a passionate, hard working and kind man. We were all so very fortunate to have him in our lives. My heart goes out to Kim, Bella and his grandchildren - who I know he loved with all his heart. I hope you’re in a peaceful place and can feel the love we all had for you.
    10/13/2026 07:49 am
    Katie Brower writes,
    My condolences on the loss of Bink. He was a fun guy and I will miss seeing him at the Wachowski parties. Sending Bella and family love and hugs.
    10/13/2026 08:05 am
    Gayle & Pete Kemp lit a candle and writes,
    We are so saddened and shocked to hear about Bink’s passing. We just saw him not that long ago at Elkton Music Hall and he was so proud of his daughter and his grandson, and excited about his life with his fiancé and family. Our thoughts are with you
    10/13/2026 08:18 am
    Andrew Goodwin lit a candle and writes,
    Eric and I became friends in the Fall of '84. I went to my first concert, CSN and The Band at The Mann Music Center, for his birthday. We'd grown apart since then, as happens, and hadn't spoken in a good eight or ten years. I hope my current health will allow me to travel up from NC for his Memorial Service. Rest in peace, Brother.
    10/13/2026 09:00 am
    john vouras writes,
    great guy, first time i played in a band to a crowd was a talent show at brandywine hs, we did stairway to Heaven and ,You really got me by van halen, rip buddy
    10/13/2026 11:29 am
    Samantha Tellone writes,
    To Eric’s friends and family. Having our high school reunion so recently I was able to catch up with Bink. He told he how he had a dream job and was a happy man. I believe every word of this remembrance of him. Such a really good soul. Sorry for your loss.
    10/13/2026 12:02 pm
    Joe Sailer writes,
    Gretchen and my entire family send our love to Bella, Kim, and the extended family. We were fortunate to have known Eric for over 25 years. Throughout those years, he was always so excited to share what was happening in Bella’s life. With our children being close in age, I was able to share in and appreciate those milestones with Eric. We wish you all peace and comfort during this difficult time. You will remain in our thoughts.
    10/13/2026 12:07 pm
    Pat Krop writes,
    Unbelievably sad!! My prayers & hugs to Kim & Bella and families. Eric was far too young to go. Eric, don't just rest in peace. Play that bass and make music eternally!!
    10/13/2026 12:48 pm
    Pat Krop writes,
    Unbelievably sad!! My prayers & hugs to Kim & Bella and families. Eric was far too young to go. Eric, don't just rest in peace. Play that bass and make music eternally!!
    10/13/2026 12:49 pm
    Steven B. Guydos lit a candle and writes,
    So many great memories shared together - musically and just hanging out. Rest in peace My Brother, will see you on the other side.
    10/13/2026 02:29 pm
    Tony Cappella writes,
    I thought the world of Bink as a person and as a fellow bass player. He was always so kind and loved when I would see him out and about. I’m so sorry and my sympathies to his family. 💔💔💔💔
    10/13/2026 02:32 pm
    Caroline and Nick Chahalis lit a candle and writes,
    Bella & family, Kim & family, Wachowski family and all mutual friends… Nick and I are so very saddened at the loss of our Bink and thinking of everyone. Its so hard to believe as I just saw him with everyone at lil Charles birthday. Bink was always kind and we always shared many laughs and talked about music. Its really hard to process this news so just know we both loved Bink and Im sure he and Steven are jamming Zeppelin as I write this. Big hugs to all😢
    10/13/2026 05:00 pm
    Elizabeth Beaver writes,
    Eric, I will never forget the kindness that you showed my brother Jamie especially in the last months and days of his life! I am so sad to hear of your passing. Bella, my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry 💜 “ May the Angels lead you into Paradise, May the Martyrs receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem the holy city. May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you have rest ever lasting…Amen “. Love and prayers. Tell Jamie how much I miss him… Liz
    10/13/2026 05:38 pm
    Alexandra Cavazos lit a candle and writes,
    Dan and I are so sad to hear about the loss of Bink. We didn’t know him well but through mutual friends were invited to watch him and his band play. Sympathy, thoughts, love, and prayers to his family. May he rest in peace
    10/13/2026 07:10 pm
    Michael (Tequila Mike) Phouts lit a candle and writes,
    Our dear Brother Bink always the consummate friend always had a smile and good things to say to anyone who was hurting. He brought Good vibes and happiness to everyone he ever saw. I've known being for a number of years and he was right, I shouldn't have jumped in the river... My dearest brother Bink you've left me with a giant hole in my heart and I know I echo everyone's sentiment when I say you are so loved and you will be so missed by everyone. Anyone who's ever met you has loved you and will miss you. Rest easy my brother, We'll carry the band from here. Your family and all those that you've loved have the fondest memories of your Love, your kindness, your humor, your sincerity and you just being awesome. I can't wait to meet you again and see the bands that you've created in heaven. I Love you, I miss you, I'll see you soon
    10/14/2026 12:55 am
    Don Hirs writes,
    There are so many memories of my dear friend Bink. He was so proud at Bella's wedding, beaming from ear to ear, and so truly happy. I know he felt loved by everyone around him and it was mutually felt by us. My kids are going to sorely miss Uncle Bink's presence in their lives. I remember the time he told me there was a birthday party for him at BBC to fool me to come to the 30 year Brandywine High class reunion he knew I wouldn't go to. That was so him. He wanted to be with friends, family, and to make stories and memories. I love him for that and so many other things that were special about him. Some of the places that he and I loved will always be like a photo album in my head.... Wachowski basement, Jed's room, 1712 Gilpin Street, the practice warehouse, The Place, The Cheesebox, 400 Town Point Rd, The Buggy, The Reef, Logan House, Scratch Magoo's, Pancho O'Hara's, Bottlecaps, Coconuts... Brother, where did you go now? Tell me, I need to know how Am I supposed to go on without you? Brother, where have you flown to? Come home so I can hold you But as the seasons change And you're still out of range I will hear your voice As it echoes through my head And all these days pass by These tears might never dry I love you brother
    10/15/2026 07:29 pm
    Theresa Krinsky lit a candle and writes,
    Our deepest sympathy for one of the best souls who left this world way too early! To all Binks fans and loved ones….may god hover over you at this sorrowful time! Praying Xo Love, Marc, Terry and Max
    10/17/2026 07:14 pm

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