Eric Anthony Mallia

LEXINGTON – Eric Anthony Mallia, 35, of Lexington, SC, formerly of Columbia, SC, died February 7, 2026 surrounded by family and loved ones at Prisma Health Richland Hospital. Born February 28, 1990 in Columbia, SC, Eric was the son of the late Michael J. Mallia and Nancy E. Roberts-Mallia, and younger brother to Christopher DeSantis-Mallia. Eric was a South Carolinian through and through, living his whole life as a proud member of the local community. A lover of muscle cars and trains, Eric enjoyed working with his hands. He was a Mechanic for 11 years at Mr. Transmission in Columbia, SC, where he was a trusted source for quality work with a smile. Customers knew Eric as the hard-working young man who would give you the shirt off his back. Whether repairing your transmission or giving you a hand through a hard time, Eric was known for his will and want to help others. Even in his final hours, Eric shared the greatest gift of life by donating his organs to help others live renewed lives full of possibility.

Eric is survived by his older brother and brother-in-law, Christipher DeSantis-Mallia and Daniel DeSantis-Mallia, Aunt and Uncle Drs. Janet R and M Thomas Edwards and cousins Parks, Benjamin and David Edwards, and Aunt Kathy Roberts and cousins Melissa Roberts & Beth Roberts-Sharron and Keith Sharron, and cousins Justin, Faith, Ryan, Dylan, and Brooke. He is also survived by his Aunt Marilyn Cockfield, and cousins Zack and Joseph Cockfield along with cousins Mallia Shoemaker and Jody Cooke.

Eric was predeceased by his parents, Michael J. Mallia and Nancy E. Roberts-Mallia; grandparents, John and Mae Roberts; grandmother, Olga Mallia; his Uncle Steve Roberts; Aunt Michelle Cooke; and cousin Brent A. Stanberry.

A Celebration of Life for Eric will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Bush River Funeral Home (Formally Temples-Halloran Funeral Home); 5400 Bush River Road; Columbia, SC 29212. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention South Carolina at https://afsp.org.