Obituary of Eric Joseph Stoerzer
Eric Joseph Stoerzer, 92, of Ridgewood Queens, NY passed away in Ozanam Hall of Queens Nursing Home on January 3, 2025. He was born in Manhattan, NY on January 17, 1932 to Erich and Klara (Weber) Stoerzer, both of whom had immigrated from Germany in the mid-to late 1920's.
Eric attended Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, and took Managerial and Tool and Die Making courses at Columbia University on Manhattan's upper West side. He was raised in the German community of Yorkville on the upper East side of Manhattan and later resided in Ridgewood Queens. Eric served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. He was previously married to Irma Stoerzer (Kraker) and together they had 4 children: Karen, Lorie, Rita and Susi. Eric is survived by his daughter Karen of Cary, NC; his daughter Lorie and her husband Robert of Rockaway, NJ; his daughter Rita and her husband Jay of Cary, NC; and his daughter Susi of Mineola, NY. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren Keith, Kaitlyn, Sophia, Samantha, Elyse, and the late John. Cherished great-grandfather of Owen.
Eric worked as a Tool and Die Manager at Ideal Corporation in Brooklyn and later at Eagle Electric in Long Island City Queens. Although born in the U.S., he spoke some Spanish and read-wrote-spoke German fluently and kept in touch with relatives in Bartholomae, Germany. He was a member of the Kolping Society, the German Society (Liederkranz Club) and attended various events throughout the years. Eric was also a member of AA who sponsored and lectured at various AA locations throughout NYC. He later obtained a certification and volunteered as a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Eric had a passion for all types of mechanics, reading about history, science and world events and was often referred to as a "walking encyclopedia". He was able to elaborate on Trivia answers and sometimes, correct, the Trivia instructor in his nursing home!! His love for his children, grandchildren, great grandson and the many friendships he made in the U.S. and abroad will be dearly missed by all.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: the Stoerzer family asks that donations be made to the Veterans Affairs at: https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/
Please select New York State and for the Facility, VA NY Harbor HCS-NY Campus 630.
God bless and thank you for your contribution in memory of our father.