Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Eric Andrew Lehrfeld
Eric Andrew Lehrfeld
Obituary
Guest Book
Eric Lehrfeld Obituary
Eric Lehrfeld was always crazy about comic books. As a kid. As an adolescent. And as a 32- year-old husband and father. "He had the largest collection I have ever seen," said John Tabbone, Mr. Lehrfeld's best friend. "He had thousands and thousands."
Mr. Lehrfeld, who was director of business development for Random Walk Computing, a computer consulting company in New York catering to investment banks, was at a breakfast conference at Windows on the World on Sept. 11.
A finance major at the Stern School of Business at New York University, Mr. Lehrfeld liked to dunk French fries in gravy. He loved movies and the movie business. And Brooklyn Heights — where he, his wife, Hayley, and daughter, Laura Elizabeth, lived — was a big part of his life. "We met in the winter of 1996 at a Jewish singles party at the Roxy, on West 18th Street," Mrs. Lehrfeld remembered. "We loved to talk about the day we met."
A perfect "Eric day," Mrs. Lehrfeld said, would be something like this:
"It's Saturday. Pick up the paper. Go to the farmers' market, pick up produce. Bring it back to me to cook it while he was reading his comic books. And then he would eat it all."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hannah Lehrfeld
January 24, 2023
Thanks for being someone my father looked up to
Julie Frank
September 11, 2021
Wow, another year has passed. Time goes so quickly and then again so slowly. Like the country song says, “days pass slowly, and years fly by.” That’s so true. I pray that you are happy and watching over those you love. We will all be together again one day. God bless you and all your dear family and friends. I pray that God brings your mother comfort, because I know even though 20 years have gone by it probably feels like yesterday.
Until we meet in heaven, take care, and God bless you my cousin.
Xoxo your cuz, Julie Frank
Sherry Shephard-Massat
August 28, 2021
I met Eric through his wife, Hayley. We had worked together at the Public Theatre as ushers while attending NYU and became friends. In fact, He and Hayley were godparents to my son, Trueman. I will always remember how proud I was that Eric thought Trueman was an amazing kid, and my fondest memory of Eric asking me to bring him up some chips while he barbequed burgers for us on the roof of their Brooklyn apartment building. What else can I say? My heart is still, and will forever be, broken.
The Kindred Family
May 18, 2019
Sending our continued deep sympathy to your family. Much time has passed since that tragic sad day. May God continue to give the needed help and support. Eric is still sadly missed by others and will not be forgotten. Finally may the time come when these violent acts are forever ended.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Julie Frank
September 11, 2018
Its hard to believe that 17 years since that tragic day, the day the our country lost so many fellow Americans, and the day our family lost a wonderful man...you. God bless you my cousin. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Xoxoxoxoyour cuz, Julie Frank
Mom Lehrfeld
September 12, 2016
We love you my darling son.xoxo mom and Dad
Dana Huff
September 11, 2016
It has been 10 years since I first learned about you through writing about you for the 2,996 Project. I think of you a lot, but especially every 9/11 when you are on my mind all day.
Julie Frank
September 11, 2015
Hello Eric, of course this time of year you are on my mind as you are many other times of the year. I know the world would be a better place if you were still in it. Most of our family is up there with you now and I'm looking forward to the day we are all together again. God bless you and your dear family.
With all my love, your cousin, Julie Frank
Mark Miller
September 11, 2014
Eeee!!! I think of you often, so many fond memories. I'm glad we were friends. I have a picture of us in my home office from Halloween 1992.
To Eric's daughter Laura: If you ever want to hear stories about your dad, please call me anytime. 917-306-6275
Eric was the greatest!
S J. Friscia III
May 6, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Julie Frank
September 12, 2013
Dear Eric,
Of course this time of year you are especially on my mind. I wish we would have had time to get to know one another. Perhaps someday we will.
God bless you
Xoxo Your cousin, Julie Frank
Howard Sugarman
September 11, 2013
Thinking about you.....
Michelle Pollack
September 11, 2011
Dear Eric,
It was many years ago when our families used to get together. Yet I still remember you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Michelle (Rosenbaum) Pollack
Molly Corcoran
September 11, 2011
Dear Eric,
I didn't get to know you well bc I was only a baby when this happened, but your daughter Laura is the best cousin-friend a girl could have! You would be really proud of her! xoxo Molly
Susanne
September 11, 2011
Eric,
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
David Parker
September 11, 2011
I still think about you often and I miss you.
David Parker
Stewart
September 11, 2011
Eric
I will always remember your incredible energy in everything you did.
Dana Huff
September 11, 2010
Thinking of you and your family today. May Hashem comfort them among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
August 31, 2010
To the Lehrfeld family:
May the consoling words from family and friends continue to strengthen you during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide a measure of comfort to you--until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5; Psalms 37:11, 29
Julie Frank
October 21, 2009
Hey Eric,
I"m so sorry we never met, but I"m sure we will someday. Actually I didn't even know about you at all until a couple of years ago. I guess thats what happens with cousins sometimes. People we could have been in touch with and loved if only we had known about them. Regardless, we are blood and you will be in my thoughts and prayers always.
Your cousin,
Julie Frank
Dana Huff
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you and your family today. Many blessings to your family on this day.
September 11, 2009
I never met you, but know so much about you through your sister, Elyse. You are missed each and every day, and the love for you has not wavered in the 8 years that have past, nor will it in 800 years to come. Blessings and prayers to you and your family.
Doug Abraham
July 22, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Lynn Lehrfeld
September 22, 2008
Dearest Eric,
Each day we miss you more and more. We want you to know how you occupy our thoughts and our hearts. We love you.
Love,
Mom and Dad
Dana Huff
September 12, 2007
I thought about you yesterday. I never knew you, but last year, I felt almost as if I had been introduced to you. Now, in some way I can't explain and that I hope doesn't bother those who did know and cherish you, I do feel like I knew you, and I think you will be in my thoughts each year. http://www.danahuff.net/?p=570
Christine (DeLuca) Athan
September 11, 2007
In these past 6 years, much has changed in the lives of your family and friends, and in the world around us. Still, not a single day passes without someone speaking your name, sharing your story, remembering a special thought about you. You will always be with us, Eric.
Andrew Gorayeb
September 11, 2007
Eric and my sister Cathy Gorayeb were together at the breakfast conference that morning 6 years ago. I know that because they made a phone call together after the plane hit their building. I hope that they were able to comfort one another in those last moments. I never met him, but from what I have read here, I am comforted to learn that Cathy was with him at the end.
To his wife, children, family and friends, I am very sorry for your loss. Nothing can console you. I miss my sister every day. I send you my prayers and hopes that your memories of Eric give you comfort and remind you of how precious life is.
Doug Abraham
July 22, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
December 6, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 13, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Christine (DeLuca) Athan
September 11, 2006
I was fortunate enough to have known Eric for many, many years. As the big brother of my very best friend, he was the closest thing I had to a big brother.
Eric, my family and I miss you and remember you always. You would be so proud of your little sis, Elyse. All of her accomplishments and the wonderful, loving aunt she is to your beautiful daughter Laura.
We miss you, Eric. Rest in Peace.
char murray
September 11, 2006
Erico....the Er Man..., You were my sister's best friend, she loves
you huge! Char here... the once baby sister that you had to babysit from time to time...you were the most fabulous take away- big brother anyone could ask for! I miss your jokes, and your cuddles...............the wedding of my first husband didn't work out......ya knew that, didnt ya, you comic hero!!
PS.. I have been saying prayers for the last few years for another Eric, but its been so long, I will continue to love you both and pray for you both! huge lovexoxo
Ya know what I mean, and hugely God bless your little daughter xoxo
And your wife, Hayley xx
Dana Huff
September 11, 2006
I just wanted to let Eric's friends and family know I had the honor of writing a tribute to Eric at my website.
Camp picture from 1976
Perry Goldberg
September 11, 2006
I was friends with Eric when we were campers at Deer Mountain day camp, and later as students at Clarkstown High School North. He was a wonderful person. I am going to try to attach a picture of us from camp -- he's seated on the bench at the far right, and I am seated on the ground in the middle.
Tosha Dobbs
September 11, 2006
We have not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers continue with the family and friends of Eric Lehrfeld.
Marc legault
August 12, 2005
I am so fortunate to not have been directly affected by this tragedy, in a close, family way, but as I read these tributes to those who were, my heart feels like these are my own family members, and I truly feel for those other family members, of which I do not know of...my heart gives you a big hug, for Eric and for his family left behind here.
Elyse Lehrfeld
December 8, 2004
Eric is my big brother and the best brother anyone could have ever hoped for. Words cannot describe the sadness and sense of loss I feel everyday, but I am so thankful for every moment of the 28 1/2 years we did have together. Athough 3 years have passed since the last time I saw his face, he lives in my heart and is a part of my life in everything I do and see. Eric, wherever you are, I know you are looking down at us (from the comic you are reading right now) and can feel how much we all love and miss you. Your amazing daughter grows more and more beautiful and intellegent everyday and it is amazing to watch as her sense of humor, her expressions and her sense of love for family and friends grows to mirror her Daddys. Eric, I love you always.
Marc
September 11, 2003
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Eric, my deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends on this second anniversary of that tragic day of September 11, 2001.
Laurie Rinke
September 11, 2003
I was in a sorosity with Eric's sister Elyse at Emory University. I did not know Eric but if he was anything like the warm and loving person Elyse is, then I know how special he was. As fate would have it, the summer after Eric's death, his cousin Sari was looking for a summer camp for her children. She sent her children to the summer camp where I am the girls head counselor. I have been lucky enough to work with Eric's second cousins for two summers. My thoughts are with Elyse, the Lehrfeld family, Sari and her family, Eric's wife and daughter, and of course Eric, where ever he may be...
Lindsay
September 10, 2003
Hi...I did not know Eric or any of this family or friends but what I do know is that I would like to make this time for them a little bit easier even if it is only for the seond that they read this. He seemed to be a wonderful man that is greatly missed. Also he seemed that he really cherished and loved life, which is a great life lesson to be learned. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and everyone else who lost someone on September 11.
Cynthia Villacres
February 14, 2003
February 2003
This past Wednesday, for the first time in years, the band "They Might Be Giants" crossed my radar. Amazingly, a decade after losing touch, it still reminded me of Eric Lehrfeld, a friend I’d met through Dara back during my Rockland days.
I’d been a humanities-hippie chick kind of young adult and hadn’t expected to like someone with such--*capitalist aspirations* so much. But Eric was thoughtful and funny, sharp, nerdy-cool and full of life. He also had posse of lovely, smart young women friends, in addition to his buddies.
Eric introduced me to hip-hop when I was listening to classic rock and reggae. We watched old films over chips & salsa in his parents’ living room, and got drunk in the basement. Eric was the one who took me out drinking on my 21st birthday, so my other friends could assemble for a surprise party.
I decided to "google" his name—maybe I’d try to get in touch with him.
What a shock to get the search results I did. I’m still stunned, and so sad.
Cynthia123atyahoo-dot-you-know-the-rest
Maureen Terry DeForge
February 13, 2003
My heart goes out to Hayley, Laura and all who lost loved ones at the WTC. What a shock!
I was getting ready to bring my son to playgroup. It was a beautiful day but I decided to turn on the tv to check the weather anyway. I had missed the local news but was stunned to hear Katie Couric announce that an airplane had hit the WTC! With the events that followed I was concerned for the safety of my cousins who live in the area. It turns out they were all fine. Then I received an email from my cousin, Peg. Her husband's cousin, Eric, was missing. We later found out he was at Windows on the World. (It's a small world: one of my former employers had once been a chef at that restaurant.)
My sincerest sympathies to all of Eric's relatives and friends.
Rob Hentrich
January 17, 2003
Eric lived in my building at 136 Hicks Street. I would see him walking his dog "Sia" while waiting for my son's school bus, or in the lobby of our building. Though we weren't close, I spotted him as one of "my kind" of people. Responsible, yet with a look of great wit and wisdom. After the tragedy, I began to miss Eric sorely, yet there was nothing I could do. He was on my list of future friends, but life took another turn. I could tell what a good man Eric was. I wanted to tell Hayley this, but with all she went through, I decided not to add to her burden, to share my grief. To this day, I and my whole family still remember and honor his name. Though he hardly knew me, he was my future friend. I remember standing outside the armory at 26th street and looking at his photograph, of him holding young Laura. Under the picture all it said was "We love you Eric". His was a noble life lost at a tender age. God bless and keep you Eric.
Rob - #3G
Andrew Grossman
November 13, 2002
I met Eric in 1988 when I began dating his aunt,(my dear wife) Susan. I was always impressed by Eric's wonderfully dry and mordant wit even at a very young age and by his impressive breadth of knowledge about the things that really count in life - art, music and all things pop culture. I will never forget our trek to Atlantic City to try out for Jeopardy (we didn't make it) and the dinners and shows at BAM with Eric, Haley and Susan. And of course our regular family get togethers which he always made fun with his brilliant observations.
Eric will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Julia Kaplan
September 15, 2002
Eric was my boyfriend during our freshman year at SUNY @Albany(1987.) I will always remember his sense of humor, his sarcasm and biting wit. It is so odd having known him so long ago, at such a half-developed stage of our lives, seeing now that some things were destined never to change. His 'perfect day' in college would have been a Saturday spent reading comic books and eating Chinese food. He and John Tabbone were such close friends. Of course, there were huge changes in his life... I was glad to learn he finally made it to NYU and that he was married and had a daughter. My heart goes out to them both. My condolences to them, his family, and friends.
Doug Watson
September 11, 2002
I knew Eric only for nine months while working at Randomwalk Computing, I got laid off only weeks prior to 9/11.
He was the last one I spoke before leaving, having kind words and encouragement.
Thanks for the priviledge of knowing you.
Oliver Pacifico
September 11, 2002
Over the past year I have been deeply saddened by the events that occurred on September 11, 2001 but I was also relieved that none of my family members or friends had been harmed...or so I thought. Eric was a good friend of mine during our high school days at Clarkstown North High School. It seemed like only yesterday that we were playing poker in his basement with Pete, Adam, John, etc. As a matter of fact, I think I still owe Eric some money from a bluff gone wrong. We lost touch sometime during our college years.
On September 11, 2002 I was on the computer scrolling through the names of the people who were lost a year ago. There were so many names and I was scrolling through so fast it was all a blur and yet...the name Eric Andrew Lehrfeld stood out as clear as that terrible day a year ago. "It couldn't be," I thought to myself. Then I saw the caption after his name, "Comic Collector." It was then I knew. I scrolled down to see his picture and saw his face. I was immediately transported back in time to his basement years ago during that last poker hand when he called my bluff. "Fork it over," he said. "I'll catch you the next time," I responded.
A year ago I lived in Battery Park City and walked right through the World Trade Center at 8:30am on my way to work. I wish I had run into Eric that morning. We would have talked about what had happened to us during the past few years and laughed about the good times we had in high school. I'm sure he would have brought up the fact that I owed him twenty bucks from that last poker hand years ago. We'd carry on long enough for him to be late to that meeting he had.
I wish I could have given Eric his twenty bucks that day.
I'd like to express my deepest condolences to Eric's family and friends. He will always be in our hearts.
Oliver Pacifico, M.D.
Rebecca Drayer
May 26, 2002
We first met when I was a freshman in high school, and later became teammates on the school's Academic Team. I hadn't seen him since he graduated. My heart goes out to his family.
Angie Campbell
May 3, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. R.I.P..........
February 21, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN ERIC ANDREW LEHRFELD AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Tina Sheldon
January 15, 2002
I was honored to be present at Eric's memorial service, never before had the realization that life really is about "living" it and not wasting a precious moment become as crystal clear as it did during the moments spent hearing everyone who spoke about him essentially say the same thing: He LIVED, he really lived and LOVED, really loved.
Thank you, to Eric and to his family for enriching my life by sharing glimpses of his. Thank you for the gift of reflection and what I can only hope to be inspiration to pack as much living in each day as he did.
Teresa Jahn
December 25, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Eric. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
John Tabbone
November 12, 2001
I keep saying to myself: Eric, where are you... He was my pal, my best man. Husband, father, friend, colleague and classmate. He did them all really well...Made me want to do them better. Eric...Where are you?
Louis Schwartz
November 5, 2001
Eric was a distant cousin I had met only once before. He was a husband and father with a bright future, a loving wife and baby daughter. May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results
Make a Donation
in Eric Lehrfeld's name
How to support Eric 's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eric Lehrfeld's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored