Ken Ericson Obituary
Ken Ericson, 79, of Gloucester, MA, and Stratton, ME, passed away peacefully in the hospital on February 24, 2022, after a long bout with multiple medical issues. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who enjoyed chatting with and getting to know whoever passed into his life – be it neighbors, locker room buddies, or co-workers. His most lasting and loving relationship was with his wife of over 50 years, Barbara Ericson. He is known for his inquisitive mind, welcoming demeanor with everyone he met and a wicked sense of humor.
He was born to Grace and Roy Ericson in Danvers, MA and grew up in Danvers and has fond memories of ski trips with his high school friends in the 1950s sporting leather boots and wooden skis. He also enjoyed his time at West Beach in Beverly Farms including the annual 4th of July celebration, a tradition that would continue with extended family members and further generations. His engineering mind was apparent from an early age when he built his own boat as a teenager and some other contraption that accidently mowed down his mother's flowers. A bit mischievous from the beginning.
He went to the University of Michigan for engineering where he joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and majored in Mechanical Engineering. The college experience was most fruitful, not just because of his Bachelor of Science Degree, but because this is where he would meet and marry the girl from New Jersey who was a willing participant on his escapades.
Marriage was followed by his son, John, and four years later, his daughter Katy and a move back to Massachusetts. His early fun skiing and beaching would help mold his future life. Gloucester offered Good Harbor Beach, but Ken wanted to venture out to quieter sands and purchased a boat to take Barb and the family out to the quiet tip of Crane Beach. Skiing also stuck with him and he built a small log cabin in the woods of Maine close to Sugarloaf Mountain. Trekking to Sugarloaf became a weekend habit for the whole family, a tradition passed down to his children and grandchildren, and we all have Grampa to thank for these lasting family rituals. Because of him his family has had countless weekends of three generations skiing together. He also introduced the family to skating, canoeing, backpacking and the spirit to "give it a go" even when not always totally prepared, which led to more than one crazy exploit.
Having spent over 25 years of engineering at Gorton's of Gloucester, retirement brought a further calling to the beach and ocean with a house on Nantucket. After decades of practice with home renovations on a 300-year-old house and building a log cabin himself he was a bit of a pro when it came to making their fixer-upper at Tom Nevers a permanent summer residence. Always the adventurer, he opted for all wheel drive cars enabling treks out to Great Point to surf cast and enjoy the beach with Barb. Retirement also brought more time for travel including adventures to most of Europe, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the plains of Africa.
He is survived by his daughter, Kate Coughlin and son-in-law, Jim Coughlin of Ipswich, MA; son, John Ericson and daughter-in-law, Penny Ericson of Gloucester, MA; grandchildren, Nicole Ericson, Matthew Ericson, Carly Coughlin, and Eric Coughlin; nephews, William (Will) Kahn and William (Billy) Manning, and nieces, Christine Singleton and Karen Manning.
He is pre-deceased by his wife, Barbara Kahn Ericson; sister, Caroline (Crinny) Ericson Manning and brother-in-law, William (Bill Manning).
In keeping with his wishes services will be held privately.
Donations can be made to Dana Farber via the Jimmy Fund Boston Walk consistent with his continued support of the Barb's Breeze team: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org.
Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.
