ROME, NY - Reinhard Erdmann, age 70, passed on Friday, June 9, 2017, with his family by his side holding his hands. Reinhard was born on October 26, 1946, to Max and Lydia Erdmann in Gustrow, Germany. When Reinhard was young his parents with his brother Rudy and other family travelled from Germany to settle around Detroit, MI where his younger brother Dennis was born shortly thereafter. There, Reinhard attended Wayne Schools where he graduated first in his class. He went on to study in the Physics Department at the University of Michigan earning his BS there, followed by his Masters in that field from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Reinhard completed his doctorate in Physics at the University of Rochester in NY, although he never spoke much of it because he was the most humble and selfless spirit, who never focused on himself but sought joy in helping others to flourish. After Reinhard moved to Cambridge, MA he met his wife Pamela, fell in love, and had three children, whose lives Reinhard greatly enriched and influenced, including many of his childrens friends, all of whom have taken something special from his love for unprecedented adventure, his explorative mind, and his passion for helping others. Reinhard lived by the old adage, love what you do and youll never work a day in your life. He poured that passion into his lifes work as a published Quantum Physicist, choosing to continue his research as a Principal Scientist with Advanced Automation Corporation (AAC) of Rome, NY, a company he enjoyed very much, after he retired from 20 years as a Department of Defense senior staff physicist at the Rome Laboratories at Griffis Air Force Base in Rome. On one of Reinhards leisure days you could have observed him up at 6:00AM helping a friend stack hay bales into the barn; editing research papers (ranging from law to theology); trekking through the woods hunting with a friend or family; thrashing down some whitewater in a kayak; or making rounds to drop off thoughtful gifts or necessities to those he cared about. Reinhard is survived by his wife Pamela, son Tyson; daughter Elizabeth; two brothers, Rudy and his wife Kathy, and Dennis and his wife Susan; nephews Bret, Kyle, and Kevin and his wife Jillian; niece Chelsea whose daughter Lily had a special connection with her great uncle Rein; and his cousin Renate Fobel. He also leaves behind many extended family members and cherished friends locally in upstate New York, Massachusetts, Germany, and across the globe. Reinhard was predeceased by his parents, Max and Lydia, and his cherished son Uri. Reinhard has been missed so much since the moment he left this world. He touched us all with his genuine kindness, love, humility, and incomparable insight and wisdom. We feel his presence shining down on us within the light that he loved to study, where he joined his son, Uri, and his parents and other loved ones. Reinhards family invites family and friends to gather for a funeral at J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs, on Friday, June 16th. Calling hours will be from 11am to noon, followed by the funeral service at noon led by family friend Rev. Steve Wilson. On Saturday, June 17th, we will hold a Celebration of Reinhards Life at the Lake House, Richfield Springs, NY, from 2pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Stem Project, a scholarship in Reinhards name, to assist aspiring physicists and mathematicians, email [email protected] for information. Calling Hours J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Friday, June 16, 2017 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Funeral Service J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Friday, June 16, 2017 12:00 PM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439