This world lost a good man when Eric Lyle Anderson departed this life unexpectedly on Sunday, April 16. His family looks forward to seeing him in Heaven and the New Earth.
Eric was honest, kind, gentle and loving. He showed compassion to others and shared his faith and gift of hospitality by befriending the poor and homeless wherever he went and found the need.
Eric is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Ernst Anderson; his four children and their spouses, Benjamin Eric Anderson (Cari Malone Anderson), David Joseph Anderson, Laura Anderson Ruhl (Kyle Eugene Ruhl), and Rebecca Anderson Venter (Daniel John Venter); his mother, Virginia Rohde Anderson; and his three brothers, Douglas Gary Anderson, Russell David Anderson, and Curtis Bruce Anderson. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Douglas Anderson, who died on April 27, 2016, at age 98.
Eric was a godly father and role model who loved his children and spent many years homeschooling them as he shared his faith and Biblical world view. He also cherished his two granddaughters Eleanor Elizabeth Anderson and Abigail Jane Ruhl.
After studying biology and ornithology at Cook College/Rutgers University, graduating in 1983, Eric discovered his artistic gifts and became a self-taught sign maker. He founded Anderson Signs in 1990 after the birth of his twins, Benjamin and David, and managed to care for and homeschool his children all while building his sign company. His original signs in many localities still look almost new. Eric took pride in his work and always gave his customers the best possible product. Benjamin joined his father in the business in 2022.
Eric loved to ride his recumbent bike, and the faster he rode, the better! He also enjoyed tandem recumbent bike trips of 800-1,100 miles with his loving wife Beth. Eric had a tremendous sense of adventure, which was evident in his snowboarding black diamonds and zooming around on electric scooters and skateboards. He was an avid birdwatcher, and passed that hobby to his daughter, Laura, and son-in-law, Kyle. Further, Eric shared his sense of humor with all around him, always quick to laugh or crack a joke. But, most of all, Eric loved God’s word, the Bible, which he read cover-to-cover many times. He continually worked to memorize Scripture.
Eric’s life centered around caring for his family and serving the Lord; that is how we will remember him.
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Lisa Dupuis(Dunkleberger) says
April 20, 2023 at 12:08 pmI’m so sorry for your loss DR Anderson. I was your medical records person when you were in the residency program at Williamsport hospital. My heart goes out to you and your family. Never easy loosing a loved one.
Catherine Campana says
April 20, 2023 at 1:31 pmmy memories with you begin at 12 years old..countless and hard to put into words how special they are. you raised my greatest friend & for that, I am forever grateful. you never failed to make me laugh! the most gentle, funny man. some of my favorite times include sitting around the kitchen island with you, hanging by the pool, see you up at your shop working tirelessly, 4th of July picnic, seeing you on your bike, chatting on the river walk, Becca’s miss Philly pageant, dozens of breakfasts in the morning before church, dinners, watching movies in the basement..the list goes on. I’ll always miss you and love you!
Deb Weber says
April 20, 2023 at 4:04 pmDr Anderson and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Weber
Randy Weber
Sharee Botts
Kathy Brown says
April 20, 2023 at 9:25 pmJohn & I have been Dr. Anderson’s patients for about 30 years. I also knew her through work when I was at the Williamsport Hospital. Dr. Anderson, our hearts are broken for you and your family. No words could fully express our sorrow. Sending love & hugs to you all.
Emily McMullen says
April 20, 2023 at 2:20 pmWhen I first met Mr. Anderson I was as young as 12 or 13. Not surprisingly at that age, Becca and I were absolute menaces throughout his home. We shared some of our best memories in the kitchen and by the pool. He was the first person to make me drive when I was scared of their driveway. Every sleepover in his home was centered around family dinners, faith, and so many laughs. Some of my fondest memories with Mr. Anderson was our beach trips to Sea Isle and he never failed to make me feel like another person in their family. Him and his family have been there for me and mine in our darkest days and all I can do is share my love with them as much as they have for me for so many years. I am so grateful that in his life he was able to be such an incredible dad, husband, father in law, grandfather, mentor, friend and so much more to his children and wife.They will all grow old expressing his lessons and love in his honor. So much love to him and his family.
Kevin Bamonte says
April 20, 2023 at 4:15 pmI knew and dealt with Eric professionally for years, over time we became friends. And although we hadn’t stayed in touch as of late, he was the kind of person if you saw on the street would make you feel like you just talked yesterday asking all about your family and remembering every detail – it was just who he was.
I have to say the obituary said it perfectly:
“Eric was honest, kind, gentle, and loving. He showed compassion to others, and shared his faith and gift of hospitality by befriending the poor and homeless wherever he went and found the need.”
What better way to describe this honest, hard working, soft spoken, incredibly talented, family man. It was truly and honor to know him and call him a friend…
Frank Stahl says
April 20, 2023 at 7:30 pmWe are shocked with the news of Eric. He will be missed. Our love and prayers to your family. He was a wonderful and insightful person. My children respected him and appreciated what he had done for them, especially our son. The photo and words of the obituary reveal the Eric we knew. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!”—Job 19:25-27 ESV
Joyce Boahene says
April 21, 2023 at 2:17 amIn Memory of Mr. Eric Lyle Anderson
~Death is Never Easy~
Death is never easy,
When it is time to say goodbye.
Death is never easy,
When we must pause and ask the question, why?
Death is never easy,
When our desire is for you to stay.
Death is never easy
When there are no perfect words to say.
Death is never easy,
When we are still struggling in our minds.
Death is never easy,
For the loved ones that you have left behind.
Death is never easy,
But we must go on with a smile.
No death is never easy,
For your presence is no longer here;
But the pain and the suffering ,
You no longer have to bear!
Joyce A Boahene 2007
Adwoa Boahene says
April 21, 2023 at 3:01 amI am saddened by the loss of this gentle giant but truly blessed to have been in his presence –even for a short period of time. Mr. Anderson and his family have always demonstrated a warm generosity and Christian hospitality. For this I am truly grateful. He had a keen sense of humor and exhibited a zest for life and activity –as evidenced by him zipping by me on his recumbent bike! He was also man of deep faith. For the grieving, it has been said that our loss is heaven’s gain. I think that sentiment is apropos here. Scripture reminds us “we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV. I hope this provides a bit of solace at this difficult time. Praying for comfort, grace and sending so much love to the whole Anderson family at this time.
Peter M. Codispoti says
April 21, 2023 at 9:19 amMy most favorite doctor, I am so sad to hear of your loss. I am grateful for having met your husband. If you and your family need anything and it’s mine to give, it is yours/theirs.
Keith Ryan says
April 21, 2023 at 11:13 amEric was my brother-in-law for 36 years and we go back more than 4 decades. Beth brought him into our lives – she called him Mr. Cupcakes for the presents he brought when they were dating. He will be sorely missed. But every time I hear a bird chirp or see one fly by, I’ll see his smile and hear him say hello. My heart goes out to Beth, Ginny, his children, his siblings – all those people Eric touched; far too many to list. Eric is at peace. May the grief we feel today give way to the myriad wonderful memories we’ll share with his grandchildren. Godspeed dear friend.
Jeanne (Bixler) Dubs says
April 21, 2023 at 11:23 amBeth and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May the memories you have of Eric help to mend your broken hearts. Sending healing prayers to you all.
Jason Giese says
April 21, 2023 at 1:33 pmTo him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms…
…Yet not to thine eternal resting-place
Shalt thou retire alone, nor couldst thou wish
Couch more magnificent. Thou shalt lie down
With patriarchs of the infant world—with kings,
The powerful of the earth—the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre…
…The golden sun,
The planets, all the infinite host of heaven,
Are shining on the sad abodes of death,
Through the still lapse of ages…
…Sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
My deepest condolences.
Spencer Underdown says
April 21, 2023 at 1:54 pmWe are all so very sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to the Anderson family.
The Underdowns
Lisa and Mike Fink says
April 21, 2023 at 2:20 pmWe knew Eric in several capacities. He was a long time customer at Fink’s Paint Store. It was always a pleasure to serve him.
He made the hours of operations sign that we proudly display on our store front.
But mostly, we knew him through our children. The Andersons and the Finks and Flanagans spent allot of time together over the years. Dave holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve always included him in our tribe and wish to send him our heart felt condolences. We’re here for all the Anderson’s.
Carol Keller says
April 21, 2023 at 3:25 pmDr Anderson and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart to know you have to go through this. He will be missed. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Maddi Dunlap says
April 21, 2023 at 4:32 pmI was so very saddened to hear of the loss of Eric. I did not know him well- I met him through some other birders. We saw him often on the River Walk and often he would stop , seeing us with binoculars, and ask “what are you seeing out there today?. And so we chatted mostly about birds. I found him to be a lovely man- always enjoyed talking with him. We met Beth a few times as well when they were riding tandem. Just a lovely couple. Reading these tributes makes me wish I had known him /thembetter.
All of us in the local birding community are feeling this loss and our hearts reach out to the whole family. Glad to know he passed his love of birding on to Laura. Perhaps we will meet one day at a birding event.
Rest in Peace Eric. You will be truly missed.
Carolyn C Worthington says
April 21, 2023 at 4:38 pmDr Anderson and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart to know you have to go through this. You are a very strong woman of faith and that is what is going to get you through this. Hold on to the many memories as these will be what get you through the tough days ahead. God bless each one of you.
Desiree Nichols says
April 21, 2023 at 6:15 pmDr. Anderson,
Dustin, Tempe and I were heartbroken when we heard your husband passed. We are praying for you and your family. We love you!
Jennifer Whitmoyer says
April 21, 2023 at 7:02 pmSo sorry for your loss Dr. Anderson. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Jonna Dorsett says
April 21, 2023 at 8:06 pmDr. Anderson, We are so sorry for your loss. For 30 years you have comforted us and helped us through all our sorrows and sicknesses and pains. As you have cared for us so well, we are praying you will comforted and encouraged and strengthened and loved by all your family and loved ones. And that God will wrap you in His peace and in His love. We love you, Jonna and Joyce Dorsett
Richard Stetts 3 says
April 21, 2023 at 8:26 pmMy wife and I new Eric and partnered with him on occasion in the sign business. We fondly remember subcontracting him to do some install work for us when the Santander Bank change-over to place several years ago. This comes as a shock to us and we are greatly grieved ourselves! We knew Eric was a Christian as he spoke with us about our mutual faith in Christ at least once. We are very sorry for your loss and hope and pray somehow you are comforted.
Bill McKee says
April 22, 2023 at 8:40 pmI have the fondest of memories of a very kind & gentle man. Our families would spend time at each others homes for lunch after church services and Eric was always the best of hosts in his home. I remember that Eric had fashioned some kind of horn to blow when he wanted the children to come in from being outside. He gave us a demonstration of it. I thought was a pretty cool idea.
When my Son Darrel was 3 or 4 years old he became interested in automobiles & he was often able to determine makes & models of different cars. So Eric would often take Darrel out to the church parking lot after the church service & quiz Darrel on his knowledge of the cars. Eric would present Darrel with a new Matchbox car if he could name the cars. Even though that he was that young at the time, Darrel still has those fond memories today of his special relationship with Eric..
My conversations with Eric were always in a very positive manner & he was always encouraging & complimentary to me. Nor was he a rash or judgmental man.
The news of Eric’s passing was very unsettling to my family. We are so sorry for Beth & the children. But all of us that even had the slightest contact with Eric Anderson can proclaim that were blessed because we knew him..
Pastor David Reinwald says
April 23, 2023 at 12:40 amI am so extremely saddened to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are being lifted up for the entire family. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
Tom Cillo says
April 23, 2023 at 2:37 pmIf my heart was a puzzle, I feel there’s a piece missing that will never be found. A week later the news still doesn’t seem real. Eric was a great friend, and the obituary couldn’t have been any more accurate. He truly was the most honest and compassionate man I’ve ever met. Our families vacationed, broke bread, and have memories together that will never be forgotten. My most sincere condolences to Beth, all the children, and extended family. And Eric, I look forward to the day our paths cross again!
Gary Menne says
April 24, 2023 at 12:26 amI knew Eric when he worked as an IT manager at Commonwealth Bank. We were good friends and then when we moved to State College he visited us once when in the area. He was a very outgoing and likeable man. Looking forward to seeing him someday in heaven. So sorry for your loss.
Heidi Womeldorf says
April 24, 2023 at 1:11 amI want to start by saying I am so sorry for such a great loss. Mr. Anderson was always so welcoming to me in he and his family’s home. I’ll always remember his quick wit, soft speaking and kind nature. I remember him praying at dinner time, sharing such strong and beautiful faith. Becca, Dr. Anderson & family – I am thinking of you and praying for you. I know God was there to welcome him with open arms and a huge smile. He’s home now, but he will be with you all- always. 🤍 John 5:24
Donna Burkat says
April 25, 2023 at 3:01 amDear Gini, Beth, and family,
We are so sad to hear of Eric’s passing. His goodness will be missed by his loving family and all those he helped. May his memory be a blessing. He will live on through his good deeds and love.. Sincerely, Donna & Steve (burkat)
Judy Dunst says
April 25, 2023 at 11:06 pmDear Gini, Beth, , Dave and Kurt and family,
Jeff and I were so saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Anderson /Horowitz family will always hold a special place in our hearts . ❤️Judy and jeff Dunst (Marcia’s sister)
Katie (Schaefer) Burke says
April 28, 2023 at 7:48 pmI’ll remember Mr. Anderson for his kindness and for always making me feel welcome. About 10 years ago, I was on my way home from college and just turned onto the Golden Strip, only to get stuck behind a broken-down car. I pulled off the road and checked on the driver, who was all right but slightly panicked that her vehicle stopped working. I wasn’t sure what to do, but as I turned around, Mr. Anderson greeted me and asked what was happening. He also pulled over to help. Together we pushed the car out of the busy road and made sure the driver would be okay. I was so thankful for him.
Sending love and prayers to the family.❤
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