Warwick mourns the passing of a beloved citizen
WARWICK — Perhaps the long lines during the visitation at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church last Monday was a good indication of the love and esteem held by the entire Warwick community for Clayton Eurich, who lost his battle with Lou Gehrig's disease on April 17.
Eurich, one of eight children, was born in Warwick in 1926 and except for military service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, lived here all of his life.
It was a life dedicated to serving his community and country.
On his 17th birthday, Eurich convinced his mother to go with him to Newburgh so he could enlist in the Navy. He needed parental consent because he was under age.
Eurich spent his 18th and 19th birthdays in the Pacific war zone aboard an LST.
A life well-spent
After his discharge from the Navy, Eurich worked as an electrical apprentice for the Lehigh & Hudson River Railroad and later became a firefighter and engineer. After leaving the railroad, he started Clayton Eurich Electric, a business he operated for more than 50 years.
Eurich was a member, elder and usher for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; a member, past Commander and Chaplain of VFW Post 4662 and a volunteer firefighter with the Raymond Hose Company of the Warwick Fire Department.
He also dedicated his life to Boy Scout Troop 45 for almost 50 years serving as Eagle Court Committee Chairman and directing that program since 1971. In recognition of that service he was a recipient of the "Silver Beaver," the highest national award for an adult volunteer. He also received the District Award of Merit. .
The Warwick Valley Rotary Club and the citizens of Warwick honored Eurich as the 2008-2009 Citizen of the Year. A plaque honoring Eurich and other recipients is located in Warwick Town Hall.
Eurich is survived by his beloved wife, Yettie, his daughter Susan and son Bruce and his wife, Judy.
Editor's note: Clayton Eurich's obituary appears on page 26.
By Roger Gavan