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Nickerson Funeral Home - Orleans

77 Eldredge Park Way

Orleans, Massachusetts

EMERSON DAVIS Obituary

DAVIS, Emerson Ralph Age 94, of Orleans, MA, and formerly Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022.

Emerson was preceded in death by his father, Emerson; and mother, Marie; his five siblings; his first grandchild, Lauren Davis; and his beloved wife of 66 years, Clo Davis.

Emerson is survived by his five children, Jay (Liz) Davis of Long Beach, CA, Paul Davis of Orleans, MA, Jeff (Lisa) Davis of Denton, TX, Anne (Ben) Steverman of Orleans, MA, and Barry (Julie) Davis of Fairfield, CT. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Emerson loved every moment of life and embraced every challenge that came his way. Over his many, varied, and storied accomplishments and careers, he learned the value of hard work, always striving to be at his best. As a farm boy, high school athlete, Navy man, boxer, and shop teacher; he always enjoyed what he did and excelled each step of the way. His business career began in the 1950s at the Acme Steel Co. in Chicago, IL.

Always the consummate salesman, storyteller, and eternal optimist, Emerson rose through the corporate ranks and built businesses by utilizing those skills. Emerson was one of the original founders and owners of the iconic industrial equipment manufacturer, LISTA International in Holliston, MA.

In retirement, Emerson carried over and applied his same trademark enthusiasm, assisting with varied community projects in Orleans, MA, at the Senior Center and Snow Library and participating in many events and activities at the Orleans Yacht Club.

He will be remembered by all who knew him for being the first to reach out for a handshake, his big smile, charm, gracious manner, and his larger-than-life personality.

A Public Graveside Service is being held at the Orleans Cemetery on Tuesday, August 16, at 11:00 am. Attendees are asked to gather at the second Tonset Road entrance to the cemetery shortly before 11:00 am, where the family members will guide you to the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Friends of the Council on Aging (PO Box 404, Orleans, MA 02653) or to the charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 10 to Aug. 14, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for EMERSON DAVIS

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5 Entries

Amy Kahn

August 16, 2022

I know his passing will leave a hole in your lives, but what a wonderful life he led. May all of your wonderful memories be a comfort. I know how much you al meant to him.

Jack and Lee Johnson

August 13, 2022

Emerson and my cousin Clotilda (Clo) were married over 66 years. Over those years, when we would occasionally get together, Emerson was always the most welcoming and congenial person to visit with.
He was also a positive and helpful influence in hiring our son, who enjoyed a successful career under his leadership at Lista. He was just a super guy.
Our deepest sympathies to all the family.
Jack and Lee Johnson

Fredy A. Lienhard

August 11, 2022

8/11/2022
I was 22 when I first met Emerson. He picked me up at Logan Airport. After my father's sudden death in 1971, I was made responsible for Deluxe-Systems in Massachussetts (which became Lista International in 1980). Emerson was one of the founders of this sales company. From then on, we developed the company to a leading supplier of cabinets-systems and workplaces. I was fortunate to having Emerson to my side, thanks to him, I did not only learn how to do business in the USA - he was instrumental in responding to the various challenges during the 70ees. I learnt a lot from Emerson - more than just "business". He became a friend, somebody I could trust an rely upon.
I once asked him: Em, how do you like your job? He responded: Lista is a great place to work! This statement has become a driving and inspiring guideline for me and Lista. The first years were tough but after 1976 we constantly made progress and became a company we all could be proud of. I am so sorry I won't be able to meet Emerson again and I will really miss him during my next visits to the US. He was a true Gentleman, down to earth and he could solve just any problem thanks to his optimism. Fredy A. Lienhard, former Chairman of Lista International Corp. Switzerland, August 11, 2022

Willie and Liz Theiler

August 10, 2022

Your winning smile and loyal and cherished friendship will be missed!

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home

August 10, 2022

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
for EMERSON DAVIS

Aug

16

Graveside service

11:00 a.m.

Orleans Cemetery

MA

Funeral services provided by:

Nickerson Funeral Home - Orleans

77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653

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