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BORN

1964

DIED

2020

Eric Kohberger Obituary

Eric Jay Kohberger, 56

CHARLTON - Eric Jay "Boomer" Kohberger, 56, passed away on Monday Dec, 21st, 2020 fighting his courageous battle with Covid.

He was born in Horseheads, NY, son of the late William and Anneliese Kohberger. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 17 years, Nicole (Alfreds) Kohberger – the best one he could ever ask for, his son Jake and girlfriend Jordan of Dayville, CT, his daughter Katarina of Princeton, MA, his son Zachary of Charlton, MA, and his two pups, Mandy and Kota. Recently, Eric became a Poppy to his now five-month-old grandson, Montgomery. Eric is the youngest of seven siblings – predeceased by Deborah. He leaves behind William Jr., and his wife Cathy, Mike and his girlfriend Lynn, Robin and wife Marybeth, Heidi and Kyle. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews along with three great friends, Mark Puleo, Austin Sands, and Dave Paine.

Eric was fortunate to grow up on a beautiful 150-acre farm in Horseheads, NY, which he always called home. From a young age Eric had a passion for Golf which he later turned into a career as a Golf Pro in Massachusetts. He taught many but mostly enjoyed teaching his sons. For the last ten years he enjoyed being a first responder for National Grid.

Eric loved nothing more than cooking his famous "Poppy Pancakes" for his family - his nieces even started calling him Uncle Pancake. He was also a master on the grill, and a talented Carpenter - his father handed down his carpentry skills and Eric could build and fix anything. He would always let it be known that one day the Buffalo Bills will win the Superbowl. If you are one of the lucky ones you have been on a "musical journey" with Eric, as he had a passion for all music – especially the 80's. He was a car and racing fanatic, but his latest passion was playing cornhole with his cornhole family. Eric was Captain of the Buffalo Wings Men's Hockey team, where he gained the nickname Boomer which he proudly carried.

Above all, Eric had a larger-than-life personality and if you were in his presence you were bound to be belly laughing as he was quite the comedian. Eric was the ultimate, Husband, Father, Poppy, Brother, Uncle, Son-In-Law, Brother-in-Law, Teammate and Friend. If you were lucky to know him at any chapter in his life, he left a major impression on your heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Eric Kohberger Family Support Fund (https://www.gofundme.com/f/eric-boomer-kohberger-family-support-fund).

Due to the current situation, there will be a memorial service at a later date. To leave a note of condolence for his family, or to share a fond memory of Eric, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Dec. 31, 2020 to Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Kohberger

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Michael Mercer

February 24, 2023

I can not believe it has been over two years since Eric´s passing. I knew Eric when I was the assistant professional to J. Michael Egan at the Gardner Municipal Golf Course. We played many rounds together. I remember one afternoon we were playing a round at Gardner and he was left-handed and I am right-handed. We had a match and a small bet who would win. In the middle of the round we decided we would play the match using each others clubs. It was hilarious. We laughed and enjoyed every minute. That is just one of my many memories of Eric. He was a gentle soul and I am saddened to hear that Covid took his life. Sadly, J. Michael Egan has also passed by a terrible accident. I have lost two very good friends. They were very special people and those who had the pleasure to travel with them were blessed by their friendship. May both rest in peace. I shall never forget either Eric or Mike.

Mindy Hudson

January 10, 2021

Hugs and deepest sympathies go out to Nikki and the entire Kohberger family. My heart breaks for you all.

Mary Triano Costello

January 9, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Eric from working with him at the Elmira Savings Bank as tellers in the early 80’s. I remember he loved music and if I remember correctly he did some DJ’ing at local hangouts. God bless you all, a passing to soon

Rick Bacmanski

January 9, 2021

My Sincere Condolences to every one of the Family and Friends who were a huge part of Eric's Life, especially Mike, Lynn & Kyle.
A Flame that Bright often Burns out Much too Soon.

Bill Kirkendall

January 8, 2021

Sending my heart felt condolences to the family of Eric Kohberger. I have a lot of great memories of Eric. We were teammates on the Horseheads golf and spent many days together in the years that followed as good friends having a good time doing whatever it was we were into at the time. I am deeply saddened! May God rest his soul.

Robert Kelly

January 8, 2021

To Mike and Lynn, I am so sorry to see Eric's passing. May your memories bring smiles and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tricia Hamann

January 7, 2021

A great friend during high school and youth group. Hadn't seen him in years and ended up bumping into him when I was doing an environmental investigation down the road from the golf club where he was working as a pro. Always with a smile, this man. Hugs and prayers for family and friends.

Monica Costello

January 7, 2021

Eric was a super cool dude. We graduated together and he was a friend to all. I haven't seen him in years but feel his family's loss and send my deepest condolences. May God bless.

Myron Rumsey

January 7, 2021

I'm very sad to hear of Eric's passing. I became friends with him on our first day of Kindergarten when the two of us got into a spongepaint fight and got sent to the Principal's office! I have a lot of fond memories of spending time with Eric during our childhood years and now regret not keeping in touch with him in the years since.

My sincere condolences to his family.

Thomas Cannon

January 7, 2021

So sorry to hear of Eric's passing.Eric's parents & my parents were friends,I worked with Eric,his Father Bill,&Chuck.Many fond memories Rest in peace my friend.

Ed Merritt

January 6, 2021

I enjoyed coaching Eric on my HHDS golf team for several years. He was not only a good golfer but a fine young man that everyone liked. My condolences to his family and many friends who loved him deeply. We will keep praying for his soul to be at peace. May your many memories bring much laughter and remember the good times.
Ed and Judie Merritt Chattanooga TN

Tim Kelly & Family

January 6, 2021

Boomer and I coached Shrewsbury Youth Hockey together when Jake and my son Sean were kids. He was great with the kids and always kept things in perspective, putting fun before everything else. I could always count on a call from him when the Bills played the Pats and we´d bet a beer. I´m glad he was able to see his Bills with a team that could go all the way. I´m certain he´ll be watching from above. He will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to the family and sorry for your loss.

Steve Merritt

January 6, 2021

Eric was on the Horseheads golf team for my Dad (Ed Merritt) and I only knew him for a few years during the mid-80's, but the Words above are very accurate, that he was a fun loving guy that was a "friend" to anyone that knew him even if for only a short time. I can recall going to some ShangriLa dirt track races (as spectators) and some TomFoolery Wrestling Contests at Friends parties....he was skinny but scrappy/strong. He'll be missed. Shangri-La Eric. Shangri-La. Steve Merritt (HHDS Class of 1980)

Frank Romen

January 5, 2021

To Mike and the rest of the KOHBERGER family , my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Cathy Egan

January 3, 2021

My children, Caitlin and Ben, and I were so saddened to read of Eric’s untimely death.

My late husband, J.Michael Egan, was the head PGA professional at Gardner Municipal Golf Course for many years, and Eric was his assistant pro for a few of those years.

Eric’s infectious smile, friendliness, and professionalism were endearing qualities that did not go unnoticed by the members. He was a tremendous asset both to my husband and to the golf course.

There couldn’t have been a prouder, more loving Dad than Eric was after the birth of his first child, Jake. He would often stop by the pro shop with Jake on his days off where the women members would ooh and ahh over the gorgeous baby boy while Eric beamed.

My husband’s tool box consisted of a rusty hammer and a screw driver, so Eric’s woodworking talent was put to good use on many occasions, both in the golf shop and at our home. It was obvious that Eric was an exceptionally talented carpenter.

We extend our sincerely sympathy to his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, and friends. Eric really was one of a kind.

Sincerely,
Cath, Ben, and Caitlin Egan

The Sauger Family

January 1, 2021

Eric and his family are in our thoughts and prayers . We offer our condolences to his beloved family

Tim Tabor H.N.I A.

January 1, 2021

So sad to hear this news Boomer and I were great hockey buddys. He will be really missed. Im going to miss his presence in the locker room. Especially all the tournaments we played in. Gone but never forgotten. Skate hard buddy

Gina Andros

January 1, 2021

So sad to see this. Your family is in my thoughts often, now in my prayers. Sorry for your loss!

Derek Koziak

December 31, 2020

Boomer u were one of a kind my friend! Rock star entrances to every room you walked into! The love u had for ur family, especially Nikki your wife was absolutely amazing. Nikki gave me your game changers today and it was an honor to receive them. I´m gonna toss these bags and make u proud my friend ! Man I love and miss u

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