Erik Vaughn Storck

Erik Vaughn Storck, 68 of Isle of Palms, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 8, 2023, after his lengthy and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His family was at home with him.

Born September 23, 1954, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Thelma and Walter Storck. He was raised in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, and remained there until attending the University of South Carolina: Columbia. Upon completing his degree in journalism Erik moved all over the United States for work, but ultimately, he fell in love with Isle of Palms, South Carolina and purchased a home there in the mid 1980’s. Through his moves, he kept this home with the intentions of retiring back to the island. In 2019, after 22 years in Vermont, (his longest time in one place), he did just that retiring from a long career in major network broadcast television to his dream retirement life on Isle of Palms.

A big man with an even bigger personality. Erik could strike up a conversation with literally anyone and had an opinion on just about everything. Even with a headstrong personality, he had a way of holding space for others, and would always be your biggest cheerleader. He inspired trust in others, so much so that even strangers in the grocery store would humor his requests to hold their babies. Erik loved a good bourbon over ice in a travel mug and spent most nights in an Adirondack chair with the neighbors chatting it up. He was known for “Storck time” dinners and grilling (charcoal only) no matter the weather or season. His little red Alfa Romeo, affectionately known as the “clown car,” was a prized possession of his, though he was so tall his head stuck right out over the top of the windshield. Erik would shut down the yearly Superbowl, Christmas, and block parties around the neighborhood, and never ran out of things to talk about. When his children were young Erik enjoyed passing on his love of skiing, and the family spent all weekend every weekend on the slopes of Smugglers Notch. Erik was the favorite of every dog the Storck family ever owned, and he loved them all though he pretended no one could compete with Scotch. He enjoyed getting to ride around the island on the golf cart and his retirement job he got at Snee Farm Country Club as a Starter. He got to put his chatting skills to good use, play free golf, and make some friends.

Erik spent his entire career in sales, and as his personality would suggest, he was incredibly good at it. Most friends say he was born to do it as he had that natural ability to make people feel comfortable with him. He moved up through the ranks and spent a large portion of his career as a General Sales Manager for ABC 22 in Vermont. He enjoyed and took great pride in his work. However, listening to him talk about his time at USC, you can tell he viewed that time there as his glory years. He made lasting friendships that he continued to enjoy for the next 50 years. Erik also took great pride in being a father and excelled in that role as well. If they needed support, he was there, if there was a sporting event, he was loud on the sidelines, and if the kids suggested it, he was at the kitchen table playing board games. Like his mother for him, He held high expectations for his children, but always made his love for them very well-known. His unwavering support was and will be cherished greatly by them.

Erik is preceded in death by his parents Thelma and Walter Storck, sisters Tina and Susie Storck, and stepsons Justin and Stetson Stephenson. Erik is survived by his wife Cheryl Storck and children Erin, Bryan, and Madison Storck. And his nurse and biggest fan, Snickers.

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by Erik’s friends at a later date, yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please participate in purchasing Christmas gifts for a child in need from an Angel Tree in continuation of his yearly tradition with his family.

He will be missed tremendously by everyone who had the opportunity to get to know him. His booming voice, distinct laugh, strong personality, and intense love makes him impossible to forget.