Obituary of Eric Harblin
Pastor Eric C. Harblin of Norfolk, NY, age 78, was born June 6, 1944 to Aileen A. and Eric C. Harblin
senior and died January 15, 2023. In ministry for nearly 60 years, he leaves the legacy of his love for God
and unceasing desire for others to know Christ as their Savior.
He attended Bible colleges in Montreal, Canada and Roberts Wesleyan in Rochester, NY. He took classes
at SUNY Potsdam from 1968-1977. He graduated from a Bible college in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Churches in upstate NY where he pastored included: St. Regis Free Methodist Church, Brandon Center
Free Methodist Church (1964-67), Gouverneur Free Methodist Church (1968-1972), Adams Free
Methodist Church (1973-1976), Thompkins Road Free Methodist Church (1976-77), Norwood First
Congregational Church (1978-82), Allen's Falls Road Community Christian Church (1989-1990), Phelps
Mills Congregational Church (1989-1990), Brasie Corners Presbyterian Church (2006-2023), and
Fullerville Community Church (1990-January 15, 2023).
Crippled with arthritis for many years, walking by leaning on two canes, he still drove to and preached
each Sunday at Brasie Corners Presbyterian Church and Fullervile Community Church then transported
young people to Sunday night home meetings.
Pastor Eric yearly helped register and transport youth to Christian summer camps located in the
Adirondacks and Beaver Camp, Lowville, NY. Untold hours were spent on his cell phone while in his
parked van, talking with and praying for those in hospitals etc. while youth meetings or other events he
couldn't walk inside for were being held. He performed many weddings and funerals. All who called his
cell phone heard his voice message saying, "Remember the words of Jesus in John 14:6, "I am the Way,
the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Attending yearly Presbytery sessions were special to him. There he enjoyed the meetings and treasured
fellowship with other pastors.
His deep love for young people and others of all ages, plus his gratefulness toward all who helped him
with his ministries and personal needs will be remembered by all who have been impacted by his life.
A spring celebration of life service will be announced in conjunction with Pastor Eric's burial in Mound
Hill Cemetery, Nicholville, NY.
