Eric Gary Rohacek, 32, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday morning, January 3, 2006 in Faxton/St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford, after a courageous battle with colon cancer which he was diagnosed with on his 32nd birthday. He was surrounded with the love and support of his family at the time of his passing. Gary and Doreen feel extremely fortunate to be graced with Eric's presence for the 32 years of his life after he was given 1-4 hours to live after birth. They would like to invite all to celebrate his life, not his death. He was born on October 12, 1973, a son of Gary and Doreen (Petkovsek) Rohacek. His educational background was both successful and noteworthy. He was a graduate of Little Falls High School, "Class of 1992" and went on to graduate with the Herkimer County Community College, "Class of 1994", the State University of New York, College at Albany, "Class of 1996", and received his Masters in Russian History in 1998. He studied abroad for one semester in Moscow, Russia. Eric was a very special person to his family and friends. He possessed a zest for life which made his 32 years here a blessing and inspiration to us all. His compassionate and genuine demeanor was one to be admired by those who knew him. His family was very important to him and he loved spending time with them. A loyal Carly Simon fan, he always enjoyed her music and the qualities she possessed. He would never miss an episode of his favorite soap opera, "The Guiding Light." In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards, reading, working on the family genealogy and "brushing up" on world history. As the world progressed, so did Eric who constantly expanded his fields of interest and activity by keeping up with current events and world happenings. He was a computer buff, maintaining communication with family and friends. A strong supporter of the Democratic party, he was especially fond of Hillary Clinton. Eric was essentially a man of action: he was ever busy and always involved in various projects and activities, both personal and social. The position he held at the Little Falls Historical Society gave special meaning to the last four years of his life. It was at the historical society where Eric could fulfill his love for history and it was here where he made many very special close friends. He also could be found lending a hand at Holy Family Parish in Little Falls and kept busy computerizing records for the old St. Mary's Cemetery, another example of his dedication to church life. The hallmark of Eric's life was his sincere and engaging friendliness and personality. He was gifted with a kind heart, he made friends at once and kept them forever. His optimistic nature and positive outlook prompted him to look outside of himself and his own needs for a meaningful way of life. Although it was obvious to all those whose lives he touched that he was truly a good person, many of his countless acts of kindness went unknown and unheralded because of his innate and unassuming humility. He is survived by his beloved parents, Gary and Doreen Rohacek; his maternal grandmother:, Mary Petkovsek; his paternal grandmother: Connie Rohacek, both of Little Falls; his aunts and uncles, John Petkovsek of Garland, TX, "Aunt Mimi" M. Angela Rybak and husband, Robert, of Clifton Park, Anne Petkovsek and husband Michael Seymour of Ilion, Monica Wainwright and husband William of Little Falls, James Petkovsek and wife Mary of Garland, TX, Karen Malone and husband James of Little Falls, Bruce Rohacek of Little Falls, and Brian Rohacek and wife Kim of Little Falls, a special feline companion, Nicky; and special cousins and friends. Eric was predeceased by his two cousins: Benjamin Wainwright and Mark Petkovsek; his maternal grandfather: Ernest Petkovsek and paternal grandfather: John Rohacek. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, January 5, 2006, at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, from 5-8 p.m. Eric's funeral will commence on Friday, January 6, 2006 at 10:15 a.m. from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, Little Falls, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Herkimer, where Eric will be laid to rest. The family would like to thank, Dr. DeTraglia, Dr. Handy, Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Ryan for their medical expertise, the oncology unit, intensive care unit and the "singing nurses" at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Oncology Units at St. Luke's Healthcare, and the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit at Little Falls Hospital for all their dedication and compassion that was shown. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all those who offered countless acts of kindness during Eric's life and throughout his illness. Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Falls Historical Society, 319 S. Ann Street, Little Falls in honor of Eric's hard work and dedication. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.