Obituary of Graham Donald Lerch

SCOTIA –

Graham Donald Lerch, 28, of Scotia, NY, passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2023.

Graham was born six weeks early on May 1, 1995, in Springfield, IL, while his parents were visiting for his baby shower.

Graham attended Guilderland and Mohonasen schools, graduating in 2013. In school, he played violin in several ensembles, sang in choir, and even guest-conducted the school orchestra. Outside of school, he performed in the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) and composed orchestral music. In recent years, Graham worked for a commercial printer and as a ride-share driver, and he continued to perform and compose music.

Graham is survived by his parents Michael Lerch and Lisa Gonzalez (Guilderland, NY), Nancy Lerch and John Allen (Plainfield, IN); his grandparents Debra Lerch (Springfield, IL), Chris Lerch (Stonington, IL), Don and Dorothy Stejskal (Bloomington, IN), Frank and Donna Gonzalez (Port Jefferson Station, NY), Eileen Rice (NC); his aunts and uncles Darcie and Sean Hannah (Sherman, IL), Dawn and Chad Scott (Springfield, IL), Jennifer Miller (Highland, IL), Lois Roegge (Cary, NC), Nicole and Sweetu Patel (NYC), and Frank (J.R.) and Kristen Gonzalez (Enfield, CT); as well as many cousins, extended family, his partner Alice Hoffman, and a diverse group of dear friends. He was predeceased by his grandfather David Lerch and his cousin Raymond Miller.

A private family service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Graham's dad and moms encourage donations be made to: the Empire State Youth Orchestra and/or the City Mission of Schenectady, organizations which were important to Graham in his life.

Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with Graham’s Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com