Eric Otto Ernst, a 60-year resident of Wappingers Falls, NY died peacefully at home at age 83 surrounded by his family.

The son of Otto and Gertrude Ernst, Eric was born in New York City. He grew up in Queens, NY, graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, and earned a B. A. in Chemistry from Queens College, NY. Eric married Elfriede Karoline Cordes who predeceased him in 2013 after celebrating 50 happy years of marriage.

Eric worked at IBM for 34 years as an Engineering Manager. Highlights of his career were receiving a patent and a 2-year assignment in Paris, France during which he and his family lived and traveled extensively in Europe.

Upon returning to the US, Eric and Elfriede purchased a cottage at the Severance Lodge Club in Maine that became their family's sanctuary. Upon retirement, he split his time between New York and Maine. Eric was a President of the Severance Board of Governors and a Board Member of the Kezar Lake Watershed Association. Eric led an active life, enjoying many outdoor activities including boating, hiking, biking, skiing, and gardening. Together, Eric and Elfriede lovingly planted a shade garden that has become a very special place for their community to explore.

Endlessly inspired by creative projects, Eric was a "serial hobbyist" and artist. He collected and restored antique clocks and canoes. He painted award-winning watercolors and carved decoy ducks and shore birds. He also made replicas of antique furniture, toys and game boards.

Eric loved to tell stories. He was an interesting person who was interested in many things and people. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially if it involved a great meal.

Eric adored his twin granddaughters, enjoyed seeing them grow up, and hearing about their adventures. He especially cherished the time spent with them while they lived in Maine with him for the last two summers.

Eric is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Ernst of New York City and Janet Gerner, son-in-law, Mark Gerner and granddaughters, Anna and Rosa of Valley Forge, PA, and sister, Charlotte Ernst of Floral Park, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kezar Lake Watershed Association (kezarwatershed.org), Greater Lovell Land Trust (gllt.org) and Hudson Valley Hospice (hvhospice.org).