Obituary of Eric F. Ruehlman

Ballston Lake- Eric F. Ruehlman, 59 of Ballston Lake passed away on April 27, 2022 while enjoying one of his great passions, mountain biking on the Gailor Lane Trail in Northumberland.

 Born on November 12, 1962, in Endicott, NY, he was the son of the late John and Barbara (Leonard) Ruehlman.  Eric attended Maine-Endwell High School, Class of 1981.  He went on to earn a pharmacy degree from the University of Buffalo where he graduated at the top of his class receiving every academic award available.  His work ethic and study habits propelled him from excellence in college to his longtime career with CVS where he was awarded the Pharmacist of the Year Award in 2019.  Eric’s love for helping people and his kind and gentle demeaner combined with his brilliant mind made him a natural leader.  He was looking forward to retiring this year and getting to spend more time doing the things he was most passionate about. 

Eric loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed exploring the Adirondacks and would spend as much time as he could paddling the many beautiful lakes, hiking through the mountains, and camping in the most remote peaceful locations he could find.  He was an avid skier and lived by the saying, “first on-last off”.  He never missed an opportunity to ski the glades where he enjoyed skiing though the pine trees.  Eric had an immense love for mountain biking.  He always looked forward to his annual Kingdom Trails trip with his friends every summer.  And of course, the best ending to any of his adventurous days included a gin martini and a dozen oysters. 

Most of all, Eric loved to be surrounded by his family and friends.  He was a loyal man that loved hard and was adored by so many.  Anyone who had the pleasure of conversing with him walked away having learned something new.  He was brilliant with a remarkably witty humor.  He was continually learning and working to become an even smarter and better person.  His friendship, conversations and presence will be greatly missed.  In 2019 Eric married the love of his life, Sarah in a spontaneous, intimate ceremony on a remote beach on Martha’s Vineyard.  It was the best day ever and was at this moment that Eric’s life became complete.  He took on the role of husband and stepfather proudly.  It was the life he always wanted and certainly deserved. 

In addition to his parents, Eric was predeceased by his brother John Ruehlman.  He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Johnson of Ballston Lake; his two stepchildren, Grayson and Max; brother, Patrick Ruehlman; sister, Pam Payne (Michael); nephew, Andrew Payne (Silvia); mother-in-law, Sharon Opiela (Terry); brother-in-law Scott (Kelly) Opiela and several cousins, nieces, and nephews and his two fur babies, Mille and Charlie.  

The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. 

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the calling hours.   In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s name may be made to the Adirondack Mountain Rescue, info@adirondackmoutainrescue.org/donation. 

Click here to watch the livestream.