Daily Sitka Sentinel

Eric E. Coonradt Dies; F&G Official was 50

Eric E. Coonradt

On Friday, January 31, 2020, Eric Edward Coonradt, loving husband, father, son and brother, passed away at the young age of 50.
    He was born October 27, 1969, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Al and Vinnie (Hannan) Coonradt. He grew up in Stanfordville, New York, and attended Stissing Mt. Junior-Senior High School in Pine Plains, N.Y.
    He attended SUNY Morrisville and the New York State Ranger School at Wanakena, where he earned his AAS in forest technology. He went on to earn his bachelor of science degree in wildlife management in 1994.
Eric moved to Alaska in 1997, and worked in Alaska fisheries for more than 20 years. He started with ground fish before moving to area management in 2006, and became the Sitka Area Management Biologist with Alaska Department of Fish and Game in 2016, managing salmon, herring, dive and miscellaneous shellfish fisheries.
He was dedicated and passionate about his work with ADF&G. He would light up whenever he talked about his work, and anyone listening could see how important this was to him.
    Eric was a loving and devoted father to his three children, Eric, (Danielle), Ashley and Chandler. He was looking forward to the arrival of his first grandchild in May.
    In 2006 he met the love of his life Jessica. They were always enjoying some adventure, be it out on the boat, camping, fishing or entertaining family and friends. They were married on March 10, 2013. Together with the kids they enjoyed life to the fullest.
    In addition to his wife and children, Eric (“Rick”) was loved and adored by his family in New York. He  is survived by his parents, Al and Vinnie Coonradt; his brother Doug (Wendy) Coonradt and their children Meagan and Jacob of Schuylerville, New York; and his sister Kim (Russ) Batty and their children Caleb, Kelsey, Connor, Mikayla and Seth, of Greenwich, New York. 
    A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 8, at Centennial Hall. A reception will follow, where friends and family can gather, reminisce and share stories of Eric.