John C. Erichsen

John C. Erichsen, aged 70 and resident of Clarksburg, died at his home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Originally from Haworth, NJ, John served in the US Navy. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, deeply committed to his family and passionate about animals—especially his dogs. His greatest enthusiasm was firefighting, a calling he embraced throughout life. John began his career with the Bayonne Military Ocean Terminal (MOTBY) Fire Department rising to the rank of Chief, then continued his career with the Fort Monmouth Fire Department. He also became an exempt member, longtime volunteer as a member of the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department. John also gave his time protecting homes in New Jersey as a forest fire fighter. Professionally, John served as Fire Chief of the United States Army, toward the end of his career working out of the Pentagon. Notably, he started as the youngest Fire Chief in the Army and held the record for longest tenure upon his retirement.

Son of the late Maryann and John C. Erichsen, he was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Erichsen. John is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Maria A. Erichsen; his children, Elizabeth Erichsen, William Erichsen and his wife Donna, Samantha Francalancia and her husband Joseph, John Patrick and his wife Victoria, Marc Mangano and his wife Vanessa, and Michael Mangano and his girlfriend Elizabeth Galante; his grandchildren, Isabella Cowen, Christopher Cowen, Liam Erichsen, Maximus Francalancia, Thea Francalancia, Sophia Magano, Baby ; his great grandchildren, Robyn, Autumn, Aurora, and Guyiel; his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jennifer Erichsen and their children Sarah and Thomas.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, January 20th from 2-4 pm and again from 7-9 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown, NJ. A funeral service with military honors will begin at 7:30pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org or to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at www.firehero.org.