Charles A. Erickson

WORCESTER – Charles A. Erickson, 76, of 923 West Boylston St., Greendale, born June 2, 1927 in Worcester crossed over from heart complications in his home on January 8, 2004. He was the youngest and only living son of Adolf W. and Hulda (Erickson) Erickson, both born in Sweden, and made their home in America on Belmont Hill in Worcester for many years. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Shirley G. (Fife) Erickson; two daughters, Kathleen J. Erickson-Nord and her husband, Dennis R. Nord of Coventry, CT, and Dianne S. White and her husband, Jeff P. White of West Boylston; four grand-kitties, Shelburne, Mabellene, Peaches and Pixie; a sister, Elsa Knight of Charlton, MA. Two sisters, Agnes Cooper of Clinton, and Doris Erickson of Worcester predeceased her.

Charles has a celebrated history of a fine musician, playing piano for performances all over Worcester and central Worcester County for many years. He accompanied (piano) his singer wife, Shirley, as a musical couple giving performances in halls, nursing homes, weddings and various social affairs for the past twenty years. He was in the military as a decorated World War II Navy Veteran with the personal honorable recognition by President Harry Truman. He is a graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester where he finished early with honors. Following this, he attended and graduated from the Gavianni School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Charles’ life revolved around family and hundreds of friends, which so many of his close friends who read this, probably either know this or someone who does. He was that popular! Charlie, as everyone is used to calling him, was a friend to many people that were needy, and was a lover of animals. He was also a great “pet” sitter. His life was constructed around helping others and being the “delivery person” when crisis struck. “Charlie” always came through for others He was a sportsman! He loved baseball and basketball. He actually played horseshoes for many years, and became a championship horseshoe player. Charles was a tough one to beat, only a few years ago. Bowling was an active sport for him. He played with many leagues and won prizes galore. He played for the Printers Craft League for many years.

Charles spent most of his working life in the printing industry working as a pressman and then a cutter for Washburn Press, Mercantile Press and Laviegne Press. In his earlier working life, he also worked for Norton Company in the early 1950s on various time related projects. He has been a member of Greendale People’s Church for over four decades. He sang in the choir, played piano, and was in many functions with the groups. He has been an active member of the Couples Club with his wife Shirley. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6907 in Massachusetts. He leaves only in body, but holds a spiritual legacy for all to enjoy for many years to come.

The funeral service for Mr. Erickson will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2004, in the Greendale People’s Church, 25 Francis Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, 7 Island Road, Worcester. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Greendale People’s Church, 25 Francis Street, Worcester, MA 01606.

Website: www.milesfuneralhome.com