Eric Rother
2/1/2017
Eric Rother, of Warwick, NY, passed away on February 1, 2017 at his home. Born on April 28, 1937 at New York Hospital in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of German immigrants Henry and Dorothea (Kunkhe) Rother. After spending his childhood growing up in Paramus, NJ, Eric entered the U.S. Armed Services in the role of combat engineer. While stationed in South Korea he met his wife of 58 years, Soon-Aei.
Upon returning to the states Eric carried on his family heritage as a third generation wood craftsman. His ability to do the inconceivable with wood earned him the label among his peers as the ‘Artisan in Wood’. He opened a shop in Tuxedo, NY where he would build custom cabinetry for clients in New York City and Tuxedo Park. In 1960 Eric and his wife relocated their home to Warwick, NY where they raised two children. His business followed him to Warwick a few years thereafter.
Eric’s craft would lead him down many paths to include a period of producing wood carvings of local fauna; work within the music industry on experimental instruments and the sharing of his knowledge with others as a teacher at Boces. He would repair fine antique furniture for friends, family and customers alike. Among his most enjoyable projects was being called upon by the renowned architects at The Cooper Union to figure out how to bring their eccentric architectural displays to life. As can be imagined, Grandpa Rother’s work shop was the birth place of many a fine Pinewood Derby car. He continued to spend time in his shop until his last day, although the onset of Parkinson’s would frustrate his efforts.
Eric is survived by his wife; his son, Kirk Rother and his wife Meredith of Warwick; his daughter, Kim Rother and her fiancée Jason Sonnichsen of Vernon, NJ; and his four grandchildren Chase, Carson, Lillian and Cannon.
A memorial celebrating Eric’s life will be held at his home this coming spring on what would have been his eightieth birthday.
Memorial donations may be sent to American Parkinson Disease Foundation, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305.
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