Gordon L. Erling

Gordon L. "Gordie" Erling, 73, of Bluffton, SC went on to the heaven he knew awaited him on December 16, 2023 with family right by his side. A proud Bristol native of Cedar Lake, Gordie was a man who never met a stranger. His bright blue eyes and willingness to converse with people from all walks of life will be remembered and admired by the many who knew and loved him.

Gordie is survived by his wife of 48 years, and the love of his life, Michele Millerick Erling, their son Benjamin Erling and fiancee Nicky Rivera of Norwalk, and daughter Ashley Erling of Providence, RI, along with his siblings Evelyn Palmisano (William), Kenneth Erling (Carol), and Robert Erling. Gordie also will be grieved and sincerely missed by his brothers-and sisters-in- law: William and Gail Millerick; John and Kathy Millerick, and James and Susan Millerick, along with his many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephew, cousins, and his dear, steadfast and lifetime friends John Krajewski, James Poucher, Wayne Kozlowski, Tom Downs and Court Wilson, and their spouses and loved ones.

Gordie was predeceased by his parents August and Phyllis Lynn Erling and his in-laws Eugene and Sylvia Millerick. As a long-time part of the Millerick clan, Gordie enjoyed frequent daily, weekend or ad-hoc gatherings with the Millerick family including ski vacations to Loon Mountain, NH, and Steamboat Springs, CO, and memorable trips to Myrtle Beach, SC.

During his lengthy career, Gordie was a sales and marketing executive in the high- security hardware industry. Managing sales forces for his companies, he traveled across the country before retiring from Ingersoll Rand. He was on the Board of Directors and President of the Lock Museum of America for several years.

Gordie loved Bristol's Cedar Lake where he grew up, built his dream home, and raised his family. He shared his love of this lovely lake and setting with everyone he could, especially his children, taking them waterskiing, sailing, and later, on long rides on his pontoon boat, often picking up friends along the way. He served on the Board of Directors of the Cedar Lake Owners' Association and co-wrote the Cedar Lake newsletter for many years. A fisherman since childhood, first on Cedar Lake and then fly fishing on the Farmington River, Gordie also enjoyed many sailing and fishing trips along the coast of Long Island Sound, Block Island, and deep-sea fishing elsewhere on the Atlantic Ocean. He loved to teach children of friends and family how to fish. Seeking warmer climes and retirement bliss, Gordie and Michele relocated in 2016 to Sun City Hilton Head where they made many long lasting friends who supported him throughout his declining health journey.

Some family members insist Gordie arrived in heaven after a beautiful, peaceful drive on his pride and joy: his 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King Anniversary model. A Harley rider since he was 17, Gordie celebrated his love of motorcycles with his brothers-in-law and many friends. He loved long road trips with Michele and friends all over New England and spent many happy hours in retirement exploring new places. He also loved classic cars and took great joy in working hand-in-hand with his son Ben to complete restoration of Ben's 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

Always happiest in a one-on-one conversation, Gordie was a man of great faith, perseverance, humility, and patience. He loved, took great pride in, and genuinely enjoyed his children's accomplishments – from their concerts, plays, recitals and swim meets, to their impressive careers and professional achievements. And to the end, Michele was the center of his life and home.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and thanks to the entire staff of Benton House Memory Care Assisted Living who provided loving care and respect to Gordon during the last six months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gordon's name may be made to the Petit Family Foundation at www.petitfamilyfoundation.org or PO Box 310, Plainville, CT 06062 or Memory Matters at www.mymemorymatters.org or PO Box 22330, Hilton Head, SC 29925. Funeral services in celebration of Gordie's life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2023, at 9 a.m. from Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Family and friends may gather on Friday, January 12, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com