Geoffrey F. Erb of East Quogue died at his home on Thursday, June 20. He was 67.
Mr. Erb was born in Floral Park to George and Dorothy (Quaid) Erb. He attended Southampton College and served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War.
Mr. Erb was a motion picture cinematographer since 1970, working on TV commercials, movies and a number of television series, including “The Equalizer,” “Kojak” TV movies and eight seasons of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Mr. Erb was awarded the International Cinematographers Guild Billy Bitzer Award for Lifetime Achievement and was twice nominated for a Best Photography Emmy. He was also invited into the American Society of Cinematographers in 1995 and was granted honorary lifetime membership to the International Cinematographers Guild for his dedication and extraordinary service.
He spent the last six years as a professor of advanced film production and advanced cinematography at the New York University School of Film. His survivors said that as a professor he was beloved by his students, whom he inspired with humor, knowledge and, particularly, by his own example, never missing a day of work despite his 30-year struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Friends, colleagues and students knew him as someone indefatigable, cheerful and loyal who ignored his serious physical ailments and embraced his life and his work. Despite the punishing hours and travel of the motion picture industry, and the intensity of teaching and mentoring students, his family remained the center of his life.
Mr. Erb is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Halsey Erb; two daughters, Meredith Erb of East Quogue and Michelle Erb-Keeler of Florida; and three grandchildren, Caleb and Lily Keeler and Alexa Erb-Grant. He was predeceased by a sister, Susan Erb; a brother, Christopher Erb; and his parents.
Visitation was held at R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays on Sunday, June 23. A funeral Mass was said on Monday, June 24, at the Church of St. Rosalie; interment was at Calverton National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice’s Camp Good Grief, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Jun 26, 2013