UTICA - Dr. Eric Putney Schoenlein, age 49, died on Tuesday, October 12, 2010. He was born in Herkimer on April 12, 1961 a son of Dr. Charles and Lois Putney Schoenlein. A lifelong area resident he was raised and educated in Richfield Springs graduating from Richfield Springs High School. He continued his education at Colgate University graduating in 1981 and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. He then completed two additional years of Post Doctoral advance study of Orthodontia. He began his practice of Orthodontia in Utica in 1986 as a partner of Dr. Frank Iuorno and continued after Dr. Iuorno's retirement. Always dedicated to his practice and his patients, he truly cared for and was interested in all those he treated. Eric had the ability to relate to people of all ages. He enjoyed the daily interaction with his patients, their families and his loyal staff. He enriched the lives of many people with his gregarious personality and abundant generosity. He had an infectious personality and a booming voice that was uniquely his. He was genuinely kind and possessed a true heart of gold. He was a great contributor to his community through generous donations of not only his resources, but also his time and talent. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, and colleagues and his passing will leave a void in the community and hearts of the many people who loved him. Eric is survived by his parents, Charles and Lois Schoenlein a brother Charles Schoenlein III all of Richfield Spring, his sister Carol Gravelding and her husband Mark of Cazenovia, a niece and nephew Hannah and Jacob Gravelding. A Funeral service will he held on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the Church of Christ Uniting, 14 Church Street, RichfieldSprings. The Reverend Deborah Waldron, pastor will officiate. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home; 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs on Saturday from 1:00 until 4:00 pm. Eric will be laid to rest in LakeviewCemetery overlooking Canadarago Lakewhich he loved so much. Expressions of sympathy may be made with, memorial donations may to the Church of Christ Uniting. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.