RICHARD ELMER ERICKSON

ERICKSON, Richard Elmer 90, of Arlington, died Thursday, February 11, 2016, at the Winchester Nursing Center in Winchester, MA. Born in Putnam, CT in 1925, he was the son of the late Florence (Whittemore) and Elmer Conrad Erickson, brother to the late Ruth (Erickson) Flagg, and husband to his late wife, Susan Mary (MacCallum) Erickson. Richard was a graduate of Putnam High School's Class of 1943, and was a local florist and owner of Park Florist (Arlington) and Rogers Flower Shoppes, Inc. (Brookline/Boston). He was a keynote speaker for Florists' Transworld Delivery Service (FTD), Teleflora, Florafax and Roses, Inc. He designed inaugural flowers for John F. Kennedy, was honored in the White House Rose Garden by Former First Lady of the United States Rosalynn Carter, and designed flowers for the Statue of Liberty Centennial/Reopening Ceremony on Liberty Island in 1986. The Brookline Rotary Foundation of Rotary International recognized him with a Paul Harris Fellow medallion for his substantial contributions. Richard later became President of the Arlington Historical Society and a tour director working for various tour companies throughout Boston and New England. Richard met his wife Susan at the Arlington Friends of the Drama and together, they celebrated 67 years of marriage. A dedicated longtime member of Park Avenue Congregational Church (PACC) in Arlington, MA. Richard sang tenor in the choir, directed and sang in many choir shows (with his wife) and presented many sermons, liturgies and lectures in addition to being a member of the Men's Club. Known for his deep, dramatic voice, wit and storytelling, his love for trivia and history abounded in many of his speaking engagements. Richard is survived by his two daughters, Sheila Susan (Pichette) of Chelmsford, MA and Lisa Beth (Barreto) of Ventura, CA, son-in-laws Gary Pichette and Robert Barreto, grandchildren Erik and Lauren Pichette, and many nieces, nephews and cousins from Connecticut, Canada, England, and Scotland. Richard's legacy is also survived by many knowledge-seekers who he inspired to live life and keep learning. Due to the recent death of his beloved wife, Susan, friends and family are invited to attend their "Celebration of Life" Service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Park Avenue Congregational Church, corner of Park Avenue and Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA. Arrangements are under the care of DeVito Funeral Home in ARLINGTON. For informational updates or to leave messages for the family, please v isit: devitofuneralhomes.com. Donations may be made in Richard Erickson's memory to Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02476.