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Hoy Funeral Home - West Seneca

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West Seneca, New York

Eric Laufer Obituary

LAUFER - Eric M. Of Austin TX, formerly of West Seneca NY, suddenly September 4, 2008. Beloved son of David and Rita (nee Wakefield) Laufer; dear brother of Sara Laufer; uncle of Tamia Laufer; grandson of Geraldine (late Fred) Wakefield, and Lois Gralowski, and Sherwin Laufer also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Family will be present Monday 7-9 PM and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the HOY FUNERAL HOME INC., 3855 Seneca St, West Seneca. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday morning at 9:30 at St. Gabriels Church, 5271 Clinton St. Elma (please assemble at church). Flowers gratefully declined.

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Published by Buffalo News from Sep. 7 to Sep. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Laufer

Not sure what to say?





Jessica Ealand

September 2, 2020

It’s hard to believe it has been 12 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bo Jeziorowski

September 15, 2008

Laufer Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Weez always made me laugh!!!!!!!

(East Seneca Fire Co.)

Holly Bauer-Jacobs

September 12, 2008

To my Family and All of thoes who knew my cousin Eric, I just wanted to thank everyone who knew my cousin in his life and thoes of you who were touched by his music and his sweet smile. He will never be forgotten and my family will live on through him. To my aunt, uncle and his sister, I'm so glad I was his cousin and still am. We will pull through this as a family and be strong for eachother. I will never forget him as that little kid, My only regret is that I never got to see him and the band play. But I thank Jeff and Shane for being there with him and being a part of our family.
My prayers are for everyone and you all will be in my thoughts.

September 11, 2008

September 11, 2008

Christen Plant

September 11, 2008

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My brother played in a band with him back in High School, and I graduated with Eric. I can't imagine what any of you are going through. Again, my deepest condolences.
Christen Plant

Carol Jones

September 10, 2008

Dear Rita and Dave,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We can not imagine the pain you are suffering. Even though we haven't seen each other for so long, we are still family. Please know how sorry we are for your lose and how our hearts ache for you and your family.

Uncle Dale, Aunt Diane, Colleen, Carol, and Mary Wakefield & families.

Debby Cope

September 10, 2008

Rest in peace my dear friend.
Debby from myspace. You will be missed my friend.

Mindy Neidner

September 10, 2008

Dear Laufer family & friends,
Eric touched so many people through his music and just by being a wonderful person. We will all miss him , but he will always be kept in the hearts of his many friends. My deepest condolences.
Take care,
Mindy

Scott Kimrey

September 10, 2008

Stacie and I first saw Eric, Shane, and Jeff play at Ronnie Weiser's pre-VLV "meet and greet" party several years back. Those kids tore the house down with their unique style of jazzed up rockabilly. Stacie ended up designing their Website and CD cover and got to know the whole gang quite well. I got to know Eric and the guys through her and always had a good time whenever we went to hear them play. Inevitably, Shane, Eric and myself would always end up giggling like a bunch of kids and joking around about any number of things. I can honestly say that unless he was busy singing, I never saw Eric without a big radiant smile on his face. He had a big voice at the microphone, but was soft spoken in person. His big voice was rivaled only by a bigger heart. It was easy for anyone who met him to see that he had an inherent kindness and good nature about him that spoke volumes about his upbringing. In simple words, Eric was just an all around good kid. Stacie and I are honored that we had the opportunity to know Eric. Our lives have been enriched by having the pleasure of hearing Eric sing and seeing that wonderful smile. I will always remember him with his drivers cap on, guitar in hand, and a smile from ear to ear. We have all suffered a huge loss with Eric's passing. Bless your heart, Eric...we'll miss you, buddy. Stacie and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Eric's family and band mates. Y'all take good care of each other.

Scott and Stacie Kimrey

Caroline Gnagy aka "Caroline Casey"

September 10, 2008

My heart is filled with sadness for all of Eric's family and friends. I know who you have lost.

Eric was one of the most cheerful, down-to-earth, hilarious, quick-witted, and talented people I have ever had the good fortune to know. It breaks my heart that he's no longer with us.

I remember more dearly now all the hours we spent rehearsing and playing together for different musical projects over the years...the times we goofed off while on the way to a show...the constant laughs and joke exchanges while rehearsing...his bright smile flashing while playing a show...and all the blazing beauty and instensity of the person that is Eric Laufer.

He will be remembered by me and many others forever.

Nicholas Plant

September 10, 2008

Eric will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have many great memories sharing the stage and recording with him when we were in high school. He was a great musician and great person.
My deepest condolences to the Laufer family.

Tony Estrada

September 10, 2008

I had the honor of knowing Eric during the times in which we shared the same venues. And if there was something you could count on, it was having a great time with Eric. Always laughing, down to earth, always a good time. He had more talent in one finger than most of us will ever have in a lifetime. I will always remember jamming with him and the boys, and know that he is looking upon us from a better place.

Cyndi Fernandez

September 9, 2008

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Eric Laufer. He was a wonderful, kind, sweet guy with a good heart. Great person to work with, always sharing his great smile and much laughter. The kind of person everyone wants to be around. I feel fortunate to have known Eric. He will be dearly missed.

Roger (reverbbb) Privitt

September 9, 2008

I met Eric once in Frisco, TX when he and the Two Timin' Three were on their way to Austin. The setting was an open jam. They were invited up to play 3 songs. But everyone was so spell bound, that they were allowed to play at least 6 or more songs. Even though Eric was not the frontman, his style and demeanor is something that I will never forget. I instantly saw greatness in his heart and his abilities. That was a fleating moment of chance encounter.

Eric obviously touched many people with the contegious love for his music. I am so sad to hear that another great one has already lived too short amoung us.

Life is a gift. Music is a special gift of the enchanted. Eric was in the elite of the enchanted. Eric will be missed by many.

Betty Spencer

September 9, 2008

The aunts and uncles of Jeff Herring, Eric's band mate, always marveled how two young men from different parts of the country got together to form a band. Jeff grew up in Boulder, Co and Eric in West Seneca. Jeff's mom, my sister Sue, is from Western New York as is Eric's family. When "the band" came to town, we went to hear them. Got to know Rita and David too. Loved hearing them. So talented. My heart goes out to Eric's family. I'm struggling too as is my family.

Jason Gentry

September 9, 2008

Dear Laufer Family,

I had the honor of sharing the stage with your son on a few occasions. We had much in common - both trying to "make it" doing what we love - playing music. I wish I would have had the opportunity to know him better. By EVERY account he was one of the great ones and will be remembered and missed by many. Please consider US your extended family.

Kindest Regards,

~jason of the ugly beats

Jamie Peterson

September 9, 2008

Dave and Rita,
Paul Pfeffer (Beachball) just informed of the terrible news, needless to say I was in shock. He was a good kid, my heart goes out to you.

Jen "Lil' Bit" Adams

September 9, 2008

To the Laufer family,

Eric was a good friend, super talented musician and truly wonderful person. My band and I are honored to have known him and shared the stage with him.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and yours.

Laurie Radzniak

September 9, 2008

To Eric's family & friends,
Eric really brightened the lives of so many folks through his music and his warm personality. I am very saddened and will truly miss Eric and his beautiful voice.

Jessica Ealand

September 9, 2008

I worked with Eric at TSO. He was a wonderful person inside and out. He sure did have some of the prettiest blue eyes I ever seen. His lauph and smile brought so much happiness to the office. He had the best personality and since of humor. He was a hard worker took pride in his jobs. He was a blast to work with. We miss him dearly. Its hard not seeing him everyday. He will not be forgotten. He was really excited that his parents came down to see him. He talked about his sister and neice alot too. How much fun she had at Radi Jazz, in the lava pool. lol My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.

Carl Russo

September 8, 2008

Dearest Dave & Rita,
Our Love & Respect for you has always been immeasurable. Now the Grief that we feel is also that deep. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you.
Carl Sue & Sammy

Jackie Wisniewski

September 8, 2008

Dave, Rita and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ruth Breidenstein West Seneca Tax Receiver

September 8, 2008

Dave and Rita
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ginny and Mike Jaskier

September 8, 2008

To Johnny Wakefield and Family

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We are here for you always.

Roy Wilson (Buzzards)

September 8, 2008

Eric was loved and respected by so many people. We are stunned and heartbroken. He was an amazing singer and a beautiful person. I'm so sorry.

Mark and Janice Palkowski

September 8, 2008

To the Laufer and Wakefield families,

With our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Stay strong and hold your memories of Eric close to your hearts.

Wendy Halliman

September 8, 2008

Many years ago, we met a young boy with the most amazing blue eyes! He was shy but always had a mischievous twinkle. Eric and Sara spent many hours here during a couple of summers. They were both such a joy to share our home and lives with! We felt they were our 'summer kids' and our kids looked at them as their really cool older brother and sister. As the years passed, friends and other interests filled the summer days for Eric and Sara...both such amazingly talented kids! They had such an open and loving relationship with each other and with Dave and Rita, it inspired us to follow suit with our own kids. As Eric followed his heart and dreams, we would marvel at how the shy blue-eyed boy had not only come out of his shell, but had exploded out of his shell into a truly amazing young man! When we had the opportunity to see him, he would share stories about his life, the growth of the band, his life on the road and all of the things he had seen and done. He shared with such obvious joy, he was enjoying every minute and following his heart. Eric was what so many of us aren't....unafraid to go into uncharted waters. He did so with enthusiasm and gusto and always had an adventure at the other end. We should all learn from Eric's tragically short life: live inspired! don't be afraid to persue your dreams! don't be afraid of the unknown! LIVE!!!! Live every moment with awe and joy and make every day a new gift to treasure. Though the grief of his loss is crushing and devastating now, when that grief becomes a throbbing pain rather than the fresh wound it is today...remember Eric for the lessons his LIFE taught, not the tragedy of his death. His gift to all is to meet each day with joy and anticipation...a gift all who knew him should embrace as a memorial to this beautiful young man with the amazing blue eyes! Dave and Rita: no words can lessen the pain you are feeling right now, but remember how loved Eric is, how many lives he has touched, how many he inspired and know that you both gave the world a wonderful gift! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and if you need ANYTHING, please don't hesitate to ask. Sharing your grief will not only lighten your load, but it will help others heal as well. We love you!
Dan & Wendy

Debbie Wasieczko

September 8, 2008

No words can be said at this time of loss but please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all .As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends

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Funeral services provided by:

Hoy Funeral Home - West Seneca

3855 Seneca Street, West Seneca, NY 14224

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