Erik Stein, a former area coordinator within the office of residence life, died Wednesday in his home, according to his obituary on TribLIVE.

He was 38 and had recently become the assistant director of residence life at Edinboro University.

Erik was an area coordinator with the office of residence life for five years, where he also pursued his doctorate in instructional management, completing his degree in 2013.

Prior to that, he accepted a position as an area coordinator for residence life at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Erik earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was called to active duty from the Army Reserves due to 9/11 while studying for his bachelor’s but returned to the university after serving.

He graduated in 1995 from Valley High School and joined the Army Reserves where he served as a military police officer for six years.

According to his obituary, Erik loved animals, enjoyed being in the outdoors hiking, horseback riding or just hanging out with friends. He was an avid reader and more recently was pursuing the history and teachings of Buddhism.

“His sense of humor was something special. He could make anyone laugh. He cared deeply about his family and friends and was a very thoughtful, considerate and gentle man. Erik will be dearly missed,” reads his obituary.

Erik was a son of Denise (Lippert) and Ray France, of Edmond, Okla., and Larry (Mary Shean) Stein, of New Kensington.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by three brothers, William R. Stein, of Brookville, Lee A. Stein and Aaron E. Stein, both of New Kensington; and a sister, Holly M. Stein, of New Kensington; a niece and nephew he adored, Luma and Otto Stein; paternal grandmother, Aureola M. Stein, of New Kensington; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert W. Stein; and maternal grandparents, William O. and Wilma G. Lippert.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home on 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, until time of service at 4 p.m., where full military honors will be accorded by Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard. The Rev. Dean Ward will officiate.

To leave online condolences, visit www.rossgwalker.com.

RMU Sentry Media’s thoughts are with Erik’s family and friends during this difficult time.

If you are an RMU student or alumni who knew Erik, you are welcome to share a story or memory of him with us to be posted in his honor by emailing [email protected].