Eric G. Lawrence Sr., 68, of Oneida

ONEIDA » Eric G. Lawrence Sr. at the age of 68 of 5075 Sand Hill Road, Oneida, N.Y. 13421 passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 in Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Rome, N.Y. on Oct. 1, 1948, a son of Thomas and Florence Phillips Lawrence. He was a resident of Oneida for 60 years, graduating from Oneida High School and then attending welding school. He married Sandra L. VanPatten in Oneida in 1973. He was a member of the Salvation Army Church and worked for them for 45 years. Eric was an accomplished guitar musician who wrote many of his own songs and along with his wife Sandra performed for many years as country gospel singers under the name of “Sandy and Eric.” The couple performed locally and traveled to many states to entertain including The Salvation Army, Vernon Downs and Hazel Carpenter Home in Oneida. He was employed at Oneida Limited for many years and last employed at Ferris Industry where he was a mentor for the welders.

Eric is survived by his wife, Sandra at home; three daughters, Elaine Evans of Scranton, Pa., Gina (Mike) Hinson of Jacksonville, Fla., and Patricia Lawrence of Oneida; two sons, LeRoy (Michelle) Coonrod of Oneida, and Eric (Wendy) Lawrence Jr. of Oneida, who is a designer for Sherrill Manufacturing. He is also survived by two brothers, Paul Lawrence of Rome, N.Y., and Gary Lawrence of Camden, N.Y.; two sisters, Nora Lacomb of Coldbrook, N.Y., and Wendy Salvatore of Utica, N.Y.; grandchildren, Jonathan Evans, Jennifer Pawlikowski, Felicia Kaplan, Glenn, Sara, and Amanda Coonrod, Eric and Isabella Lawrence, Gabrielle Lawrence, Haley Hinson, Tylor and Hunter Williams, and several greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by brothers, Robert and Thomas Lawrence and a grandson, Drew Lawrence-Williams.

In keeping with Eric’s wishes, there will be no calling hours at this time. The Fiore Funeral Home, 303 Main St., Oneida, N.Y. is in charge of the arrangements. Fiore Funeral Home 303 Main Street Oneida, N.Y. 13421 315-363-6100