Eric Robert Gauch
April 8, 2026
CHARLOTTE – Eric Robert Gauch passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. We mourn the loss of a loving son and brother but take comfort in his well-earned peace. Eric was born in Charlotte on January 24, 1994. He attended Charlotte Catholic High School, Appalachian State University, and CPCC.
Eric had an infectious smile, sly sense of humor, and easy-going demeanor. He was totally selfless and never wanted to burden anyone. His compassion and caring nature made him a welcome and true friend. He is loved in all ways and forever.
Eric is survived by his parents, Cathleen “Cathy” (Roberts) Gauch and Thomas “Tom” Gauch; his older brother, Matthew; his younger brother, Kevin; his grandmother, Mary Ann Roberts of Cleveland, OH; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral mass will be held at 1:15 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the Activity Center at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Eric to The Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Eric was a wonderful classmate. In our German class, he was always so much fun to be around. I remember a time when we learned a song, Millionär by Die Prinzen, for one of our annual German day events. As a whole, I don't think any of us took the assignment too seriously, and we paid for it when we showed up to the competition and pretty much tanked in comparison to the rest of the performances. Eric being one of the few who actually learned the entire song, helped keep the energy up with his always beaming charisma, no matter how awful we sounded. Fast forward a couple weeks after the event, Herr Skinner must have said something to spark the memory of this song, Eric started singing it right in the middle of his lesson. Soon everyone was singing and Herr Skinner could only smile and wait until the entirety of the song was over. I still talk about both those memories this day. Eric really knew how to have a good time.
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I’m very saddened to hear about the loss of one of the most beloved classmates of our class of 2012. Eric and I shared a locker one year! He was always smiling or clowning around in the hallways. I don’t think there was a single person who had anything bad to say about Eric. Also we got to work together at Target for a few years ( yes even during the pandemic ). I’m sad to hear that his smile was silenced too early! I pray that his soul finds peace. Keep smiling Eric. You will be missed.
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Eric was one of the best friends I have ever had in my life. He was the kind of guy that would literally give you the shirt off of his back. I met Eric my freshman year of college and ended up living with him at App State for a couple of years. I will always cherish our fun memories together. We played frisbee golf, video games, went sledding, made an indoor basketball court in one of the empty bedrooms in our house, and ate many meals together. It was one last time being kids. I’m going to miss Gooch. He was a true friend and the brother I never had.
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There aren’t really words that feel big enough for this loss. You have always been such an important part of my life, and I will always carry the memories, laughter, and moments we shared. You had a way of loving people quietly but deeply, and it meant more than I think you ever realized. You lit up every room you walked into with your infectious smile and your quirky ways.
My sweet Eric… as heartbroken as I am, I know you’re at peace..hanging out with Maizey and counting down the days until the Panthers play. ? Being loved by you is all I will ever need.
Mr. & Mrs. Gauch, Matt & Kevin (Greta and Hans), even though Eric wasn’t always the best with his words and expressing his emotions, I hope you all know how much Eric loved you all. I am so so sorry for your loss. ❤️

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