Charles Ehrlich

Menands, New York  – Charles Ehrlich, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 24, 2022 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Troy, he is the son of the late Max and Helen (Minkin) Ehrlich.

Charles was a graduate of Vermont Academy Class of 1952 and then went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Clarkson University in 1956. He was the Chairman of the Board of Ehlrich Auto Parts until his retirement in 1991.

Charles had a special place in his heart for the Adirondacks. It started at a young age when he attended Schroon Lake Camp for Boys for eight years and fell in love with the area. In 1970 he purchased a home in Adirondack, NY where he enjoyed many years of fishing, boating and spending time with his family.

Charles served as a trustee at Clarkson University for 10 years and was later named trustee emeritus and actively involved with admissions. Clarkson University created an annual award in his honor titled “Charles S. Ehrlich Alumni Admission Award”. He also received the following awards from the university: Golden Knight, Lifetime Engagement and an Honorary Doctorate. Charles would also receive the ECAC award of appreciation as Institutional Alumni Representative for his support of college athletics and Clarkson University.

Civic engagement was very important to Charles and he served in many roles throughout the Capital District including; St. Mary’s Hospital trustee for over 25 years, where he was awarded the Vincentian Award, its highest recognition, he was a member of the Central Capital Region advisory board of HSBC Bank, Emma Willard School, Troy Jewish Community Center, Camp CeDaCa, Heritage Nursing Home and Camp Eisner Board.

Charles was a lifetime member of Congregation Berith Sholom, where he served as President 5 times and also served in every board seat. He lead several successful fundraising campaigns for various renovations and maintained the cemetery as a labor of love.

Those wishing to remember Charles in a special way can make memorial contributions in his name to Clarkson University at https://engage.clarkson.edu/invest/where-to-give/the-clarkson-fund/

Charles was a devoted husband and father and he is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marcia Rubin Ehrlich; his children, Marc (Judy) Ehrlich of East Greenbush, Debra Ehrlich of Ramsey, NJ and Patti (Dave) Van Leeuwen of Saratoga Springs; his cherished grandchildren, Rachel Ehrlich, Joel Ehrlich, Michael Walsh and Quinton Walsh.

In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his sister, Jane Ehrlich and grandson, Justin Walsh.

Funeral services for Charles will be held on Sunday November 27th at 10:30 am at Congregation Berith Sholom, 167 3rd St. in Troy. Burial will follow in the Berith Sholom Cemetery on Belle Ave. in Troy.

The period of mourning ( Shiva)  will be observed at Congregation Berith Sholom , 167 Third Street in Troy, NY on Sunday, November 27th commencing at 5:00pm

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