Eric Ryan Gotthardt, 27, of Hancock, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2014 surrounded by many who loved him very much....both family and friends. He was born on September 22, 1986 in Walton, NY to Shaun & Karen Gotthardt. Eric married the love of his life, Stefanie Davis on June 22, 2012 and she blessed him with two wonderful step-children, Adalina & Jacob. His family was his greatest joy! As a lifelong member of the Zero Hunting Club, he spent many enjoyable days at hunting camp with his best buddies Grandpa (Jim), Dad (Shaun), and brother (Adam Gotthardt) as well as many uncles and friends. He was a proud member of the NRA and strongly supported the gun rights movement. Music was one of Eric's passions and he played Bass Guitar in several bands over the years...."Shade", "Lakeside Tragedy" & "BCA". Eric enjoyed life to the fullest and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was given the gift of life when his cousin, Paige Phillips, donated a kidney to him on June 22, 2011. The rest of his family can never thank Paige enough for her thankless gift and for the extra years they received with Eric.Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Luella Gotthardt and Gary Davis, and his uncles, James Jr., and Bill Gotthardt.Surviving are his adoring wife and children, Stefanie, Adalina and Jacob, his loving parents, Shaun and Karen Gotthardt, brother, Adam Gotthardt, grandparents, Ronald and Agnes Whitney, in laws, Charlene and Sean Lake, Paul Davis and Rayeanne Fox, Erin Stein, Paul Stein, Judith Davis, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also surviving are countless friends, especially Stephen Holland, Chance Charles, Ben Baudendistel, Scott Trinca, Paige Phillips and Chrissy Thomas.Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 4-7 PM at Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock, NY. A memorial service lead by Rev. David Norton will follow at 7."Don't take your organs to Heaven, God knows we need them here." Please consider organ donation.In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a trust fund set up for Eric's children, Adalina & Jacob at NBT Bank, Hancock, NY.