Erich M. Pieper

Rensselaer -
Erich Michael Pieper, 58, entered eternal rest on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Troy, NY. Born January 3, 1965, in Troy, NY, he is the son of Margaret Murphy Pieper.

Erich was a graduate of Hamilton College, studied at University College Freiburg in Germany, and obtained his master's degree from Georgetown University. He was employed for many years at the US Department of Energy (DOE) as a specialist in nuclear non-proliferation in Washington, DC. Erich cherished the opportunity to travel extensively to DOE sites such as Los Alamos, New Mexico, and the Nevada National Security Test Site.

Despite being diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia at a young age, Erich was a man of extraordinary spirit and determination without yielding to the physical limitations caused by his condition. He embraced life with zest and his adventurous spirit knew no bounds. Erich traveled extensively, loved exploring new cultures, and immersing himself in diverse landscapes. His passion for classical music filled his life with harmony. Erich found solace and adventure in sailing– gliding effortlessly across the waters of Lake George with Y-Knot Adaptive Sailing. He especially loved sharing this experience with family and friends.

Erich is survived by a loving extended family including his mother, Margaret Murphy Pieper (North Greenbush, NY); his brother, Tim Murphy and wife Christine (Albany, NY), his brother, Terry Murphy and wife Mary (Wilmington, NY); his sister, Nancy Valley and her husband Terry (Wynantskill, NY), his sister, Amber Pieper Glaros and her husband Michael (Baltimore, MD). Erich was beloved by his niece, Angela Murphy; his nephews, Kyle Murphy, Corbett Glaros, Reid Glaros, and Finnian Glaros; as well as many great nieces and nephews. Countless other cherished family members and close friends also brightened his life.Visitation Fri. Oct 27th 4-7pm in New Comer Cremations & Funerals located at 181 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, NY. Mass, Sat. Oct 28th at 10:am in Our Lady of The Assumption located at 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Latham, NY.

Erich's unwavering spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, humor, curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering enthusiasm for life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Erich's name to:
Y-not Adaptive sailing:
https://yknotsailing.org
Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance:
https://www.curefa.org/

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