Eric Lee William Gerhart age 32, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his home in Mansfield.
Eric was born on May 27, 1993, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Michael John and Annette Bower (Cornell) Gerhart. A lifelong resident of Mansfield, Eric attended several local schools throughout his education. He began at St. Peter’s Catholic School, where he studied through fifth grade, then continued on to Mansfield City Schools, then Malabar Intermediate School. He completed his education at Mansfield Senior High School, graduating in the class of 2012.
Eric was a devout Christian and member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where he received his First Communion. Known for his large and caring heart, he received several awards throughout his school years recognizing his immense empathy and compassion for others.
Eric participated in Upward Basketball during his youth for many years. As an adult, his love for sports continued as he spent countless hours with his father, never missing a game, watching his favorite teams – The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Guardians, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He also loved reading and watching Marvel movies, with Spider-Man proudly holding the title of being his favorite superhero.
Eric was also an avid gamer with many hours spent playing Minecraft and Call of Duty with friends he made online from all around the world. These friendships eventually grew into something far deeper than just gaming – they became family. One of his best friends even named their child in Eric’s honor, with him becoming known as “Uncle Eric.”
He is survived by his loving parents, Michael John and Annette Bower (Cornell) Gerhart of Mansfield; his brother, Dustin (Tara) Gerhart of Marion, Ohio; his gaming best friends, Andrew and Sarah Rideout and their son, Dixon Michael Eric Rideout of Alberta, Canada; Chris Prosser of High Point, North Carolina; Tony McDowell of North Carolina; and Ethan Mollett of Mansfield. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Rosie Cornell of Troy, Alabama; a special tortoiseshell cat named, Shelley, who deemed Eric “her person”; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives who will miss him deeply.
He was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his maternal grandparents, Larry and Shirley Cornell, and his paternal grandparents, William Gerhart, and Patricia and Robert Weidner.
Services will not be observed at this time. A memorial service to celebrate Eric’s life will be announced at a later date with interment to be held at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby.
Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Gerhart Family.
In place of flowers, donations may be made in Eric’s memory to the Richland County Humane Society at 3025 Park Ave W, Ontario, OH 44906.
Memories and condolences for the family may be left online at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com