RHONY’s Erin Lichy Faces Heartbreak: Father Passes Away Months After Mother’s Cancer Fight

The Real Housewives of New York star Erin Lichy is navigating a season of deep personal loss and emotional challenges this October. Erin recently shared the devastating news of her father’s passing, Eliahu Yitzhari, whom she described as her “best friend,” while simultaneously supporting her mother, Dorothy, through a battle with cancer. The reality star has a lot weighing on her during this new chapter of RHONY, as she balances family, grief, and the strains within her marriage.

Grieving Her Father’s Loss: A Heartfelt Tribute

On October 1st, Erin took to Instagram to honor the memory of her beloved father, Eliahu, sharing an emotional tribute that highlighted the profound impact he had on her life. In her post, Erin referred to him as her “heart and soul,” expressing gratitude for the wisdom, love, and strength he provided throughout her life.

“My heart and soul. My best friend, my courage, my strength, my superpower,” she wrote. “How grateful I feel to have had you as a parent to guide me, to uplift me, to teach me how to live life to the absolute fullest.”

In her tribute, Erin revealed the depth of her sorrow, describing her heartbreak over no longer being able to hear her father’s laugh or listen to him sing to her over the phone. She continued, “Knowing I won’t see you laugh again or sing to me on the opposite end of the phone is a heartbreak I did not know existed, but somehow I know you are still there.”

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Erin also shared a poignant memory from her father’s final days. He told her, “בלי אהבה, לא שווה כלום – Without love, nothing is worth living for.” The beauty of his words moved her to tears, and she vowed to honor his legacy every day. “You left this world so beautifully, with your children by your side until the very end, and you made it very clear that your dying wish was that us 5, your legacy, stick together. We will honor you every single day.”

Supporting Her Mother’s Battle with Cancer

In addition to mourning her father, Erin has also been supporting her mother, Dorothy, through chemotherapy. On RHONY season 15, episode 2, Erin opened up to fellow cast member Ubah Hassan about the emotional toll this has taken on her. While she reassured Ubah that her marriage to Abe Lichy, her husband of 12 years, was still strong, she couldn’t hold back tears as she admitted the strain it has caused.

“I needed him to be there for me this time… with everything with my mom,” Erin confided, reflecting on how challenging it has been to balance her marriage and the emotional rollercoaster of her mother’s illness.

Erin has previously spoken about the close bond she shares with her mother, describing their relationship as incredibly strong. Being her mother’s only child, Erin has taken on a significant role in providing support and comfort throughout this difficult journey.

Fighting Together: Erin and Dorothy’s Strength

Back in August, Erin shared another heartfelt post on Instagram, reflecting on her mother’s cancer battle. She explained how the journey was not just a physical challenge but also an emotional one, requiring immense psychological strength. “The battle is not over but we’re at the finish line. Feeling grateful is an understatement,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of staying positive through the hardest of times.

A Tough Road Ahead

As Erin continues to cope with the loss of her father and her mother’s ongoing health challenges, she also finds herself facing new pressures in her personal life. While her marriage to Abe remains intact, the emotional toll of her family struggles has left Erin in tears on RHONY, revealing the vulnerability behind her typically strong exterior.

With so much on her plate, Erin’s journey this season showcases her resilience and her ability to balance grief, love, and family. Her story is a reminder of the emotional challenges that can come with being in the public eye, and the strength it takes to navigate life’s toughest moments.