Obituary of Eric K. Waddington

DELANSON- Sadly, Eric K. Waddington died on June 1, 2022, after a short illness. He was 96 years old. Eric was born on August 26, 1925, in Brighouse, England. Predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Ida (Bailey) Waddington and brother, Harold (Mavis), they emigrated to the United States in 1930. Eric is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patricia (Rhodes) Waddington whom he married on October 23, 1954. Also survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Carol Waddington McIntosh (Brian), who was by his side advocating every step of his care later in his life. Eric is also survived by one niece and five nephews. A lover of animals, over the years he was predeceased by his cats, Mingo, Mandy, Meika, Muggins, Molly, Abbott and Mike, his dog. Eric grew up in Clark Mills, NY and graduated from Clinton High School in 1943 with a college entrance diploma, majoring in math and science. He received the Bausch and Lomb science award. After graduation he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943-1946 during WWII. He was very proud of having served his country in combat as an aerial engineer in the 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, 5th Air Force. He was stationed in the South Pacific theater of operation. He received numerous awards including Presidential Unit Citation, Air Medal for Liberation of Corregidor and NYS Conspicuous Service award. Upon his honorable discharge, Eric took the GE apprentice course from 1946-1950. He was employed as a draftsman, machinist, toolmaker/tool design and machine design at General Electric in Utica. In 1955 he was transferred to the General Electric plant in Schenectady and was later promoted to the position of Design Engineer. He lived in Schenectady and worked at GE for over 37 years. Eric had a great love of the Adirondacks and purchased land on Piseco Lake in 1955. He helped design and build his beloved, beautiful log cabin on the lake. He, his wife, and daughter spent many summers enjoying this amazing camp. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed swimming, hiking, cutting wood, building fires, and relaxing on his porch overlooking the lake. His family feels very blessed to have this beautiful place on Piseco Lake. Eric, a quiet, reserved, caring man, loved to work with his hands and fix things. He enjoyed listening to Big Band music and watching football and his favorite movies at home. Eric loved designing and inventing things from small to large. After his retirement, Eric bought land in the Town of Duanesburg with a stunning view of the Capital Region/Catskills/VT and MA. He spent years designing his dream timber frame home and was involved in every aspect of the construction. He was very fortunate to be able to stay in this beautiful home up until a few months ago. Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. A military interment will be held at the Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date, followed by a celebration of his life. Donations can be made in Eric’s memory to the Duanesburg Ambulance Corp or the Animal Protective Foundation in Scotia. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com