Eric Straus

Eric Straus

Poughkeepsie - Eric Straus, 94, of Poughkeepsie died peacefully on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Pines Hospice Care. Born in Stuttgart-Bad Canstatt Germany, Eric and his family were fortunate to flee their birthplace in the aftermath of Kristallnacht. The family spent a year in England before arriving as refugees in the United States. The family settled in Newark, NJ and Eric, a WW II veteran, was drafted into the army in 1943. He landed in Europe on D-Day plus two, serving as an interpreter for the battalion's Lieutenant. He served in the army until the end of the war.

After the war, Eric earned his BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering (now called New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJIT). He worked for a number of companies, and in 1966, moved to Poughkeepsie and was employed by IBM until he retired in 1991.

Eric was very active in the Jewish community. He served on the board and as President of Temple Beth-El, attended weekly services, and participated in learning programs and other activities; he served on the board and as President of the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County; and he served on the board of Interfaith Towers.

Eric was married to Marlene for 65 years. Together they traveled extensively, both on their own and with Elderhostel. Later in life, he took up tennis and cross country skiing. A lifelong learner, along with Marlene, they were founding members of CLS (Center for Lifetime Study), and served on its board as well. They were devoted patrons of the arts, classical music, opera and theater, both in the area and New York City. In recent years, Eric enjoyed weekly lunches with his ROMEO (Retired old men eating out) buddies.

Eric was the patriarch of his family. With Marlene, he is survived by three sons: David (Lynne Breslau), Andrew (Karen) and Alan (Audrey), and is the proud grandfather of seven: Max, Julia, Joel, Carly, Elana, Cara, and Michael. A son, Steven passed away in 1959.

Services will be held at Temple Beth-El, Friday, November 30 at 1:30 pm; interment will follow at Beth-El Cemetery. Rabbi Daniel Victor will officiate. Shiva will be held at the family's residence Saturday, Sunday and Monday with Shiva Services at 7:00 pm. Donations in Eric's memory may be made to Temple Beth-El, Dutchess Outreach or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you wish to send a online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com