E. Robert "Bob" Erickson

Ledyard - Eric Robert "Bob" Erickson, 89, passed away peacefully while holding his wife's hand, Oct. 21, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born in Jamestown, N.Y. in 1936. He earned a bachelor's degree from Upsala College in 1958, and a Master of Divinity degree from Augustana Lutheran Seminary 1962.

Bob met the love of his life, Joanne (Johnson) Erickson, in 1948, and they married in1958 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown. Together they had three children, E. David Erickson (Pat), Marcia Marien (Tom) and Julie Colli (Steve); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He started his career as a pastor in churches in Florida, and New Jersey, but most his career was as the chaplain supervisor of clinical pastoral education residency at Norwich State Hospital. After retirement, he continued to work as the executive director of Noank Baptist Group Homes.

Community service was always important to Bob. He was active at St. Luke Lutheran Church and Shennecossett Yacht Club. He was a Ledyard Town Councilor, and State Democratic Party representative.

Through the years, he enjoyed many hobbies and activities such as sailing (including a one-year-long cruise down the East Coast and back), writing, gardening, woodworking, fishing, birdwatching, photography, hiking, bicycling, baking, traveling and, of course, spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

If you wish, instead of sending flowers, you may donate in Bob's memory to the Memorial Fund or the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project, c/o St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1830 Rt. 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 1, at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Calling hours will be immediately preceding the service at 9 a.m. at the church.