Saratoga Springs, NY - Gerald Michael Erchak, age 70, died of cancer Tuesday morning , January 19, 2016, at his home in Saratoga Springs. He passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Gerald was born on October 11, 1945 in Morristown, New Jersey, to parents Michael Erchak and Gloria Midroy Erchak. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University, and his Master's degree and PhD in cultural anthropology from Harvard University. Gerald moved to Saratoga Springs in 1977 to become a professor of anthropology at Skidmore College, where he taught until retiring in 2007. His research specialty was the peoples of western Africa, where he was highly well traveled. Gerald has lived in downtown Saratoga since his retirement, and enjoyed going for walks on Broadway and eating at local restaurants. He is known by some for writing restaurant reviews on local food blogs under the pseudonym "Mr. Sunshine."

Gerald is survived by his four loving children: three sons, Ivan, of San Diego, California; Alexei, of North Easton, Massachusetts; and Wyatt, of Troy, NY; and one daughter, Abigail, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Other survivors include his sister, Donna, of London, England; his former wife and mother of Wyatt and Abigail, Jane Sandbo, of Minneapolis; his former wife and mother of Ivan and Alexei, Jenee Erchak, of Saratoga Springs; a niece, Clarissa Ward, of London; and several adoring grandchildren: Sonja, Clover, Ethan, and Mason. Gerald is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Andrea Erchak.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 to 11:30am, followed by a service at 11:30, on Thursday, Jan 21, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Gerald to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 or www.pcf.org

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com