Eric Gerstel

SALISBURY — Eric Gerstel, 93, born in Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 2, 1920, died July 10, 2014, in Salisbury. Eric immigrated to the U.S. in 1941, after graduating from textile college in Scotland. He and Lottie, who died in 2006, were married for 56 years. They had two daughters, Karin and Wendy, whom they raised in the Northwest Corner. Eric recently lost his enthusiasm for life when he could no longer do the things he regularly took pleasure in. He enjoyed classical music concerts, tennis, sailing and skiing. He loved to be surrounded by dogs — always ready with biscuits in his pocket. He was generous and conscientious. He was known for his sense of humor, informality and curiosity, and for being innovative and never without his to-do lists. Eric was a regular in town for a social cup of coffee or ice cream.After a career in textiles that required traveling the world, Eric liked being involved in the community, giving time to various local issues. He was especially committed to protecting the natural resources of the Northwest Corner. Most recently, he returned to his love of textile design and weaving, mentoring his son-in-law in the art. He was excited by the relocation to Salisbury of Under Mountain Weavers, which he founded 41 years ago. Eric is survived by his sister, Anita Beer, and niece of Croton, N.Y.; three nephews in Maryland and Colorado; and two sons-in-law, Joseph Woodard of Salisbury and Tom Badger of Olympia, Wash., and their respective wives. Memorial donations may be made to Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance, the Corner Food Pantry or Salisbury Land Trust.Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan.