The Rev. Theodore H. Erickson Jr.

1935 - 2022

The Rev. Theodore H. Erickson Jr., 86, after a long illness, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. Ted was born in Eau Claire, Wis., to Theodore Henning Erickson and Margaret Jean Sharp Erickson on March 6, 1935. Ted graduated in 1958 from the University of California at Berkley, majoring in social psychology, and then graduated in 1962 from Andover Newton Theological Seminary, Newton Centre, Mass. Ted served as pastor in Rhode Island and Connecticut congregations, and was ordained to the ministry of the United Church of Christ in 1962. He then became resident director for two years at the Church and World Institute, Temple University in Philadelphia, while also serving as the English speaking pastor at a UCC congregation transitioning to Spanish speaking in a Puerto Rican neighborhood. Ted then became a "worker minister" with Metropolitan Associates of Philadelphia employed in City Hall as a civil servant. He soon became the first staff person with the Philadelphia Antipoverty Action Committee, established by the mayor, working as a neighborhood organizer for the city's land utilization office and with community leaders focusing on housing and poverty-related issues. At the same time, he attended the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in the Masters in Government Administration program. In 1967, Ted became interested in another ecumenical enterprise in New York City called Metropolitan Urban Service Training (MUST) and joined the staff to coordinate ministries between congregations, creating "cluster community ministries." His work gained the attention of evangelism staff at the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, who offered him a position as secretary for evangelism working with local churches nationwide. Ted worked for the UCBHM for 30 years as planning associate, as secretary for mission coordination, as executive assistant to the executive vice president, and as general secretary of the Division of Health and Welfare. His personal focus, for decades, was in interfaith organizing for economic and social justice. His passion was writing. Ted was the News Editor of the Journal for Current Social Issues, the founding editor of the publication, "New Conversations," and authored more than 70 papers and published articles. During his career, Ted served as adjunct faculty and lecturer at Hartford Seminary, New York Theological Seminary, Pacific School of Religion and Lancaster Theological Seminary. In his retirement, he served for six years as the pastor of Grace United Church of Christ, Turtle Creek, and as pastor of St. Marks Ev. Lutheran Church, Jeannette, for 18 years, where he admittedly learned to preach. In retirement, he continued to work tirelessly as a voice for justice with national labor organizations including the UMWA, the AFL-CIO and the Teamsters. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Trauger, also a member of St. James Ev. Lutheran Church, Ligonier, and a volunteer with Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels. Ted enjoyed renovating old houses, researching family genealogy, reading, watching classic movies and Steelers football and taking daily walks. He loved spending time with his wife, his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Andrew Haines Erickson. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ellen Haines; sisters Katharine N. Erickson Michell and Mary Margaret Erickson Lehman; a son, Norman T. Erickson (Janet Wentworth); a daughter, Jenny Haines Shawley (Dwayne); Jennifer P. Heming (son Andrew's fiancee;) four granddaughters, Christina L. Erickson, Katherine T. Erickson, Lily Mae Erickson and Hannah L. Shawley; a grandson Tyler L. Shawley; three sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda H. Pannebaker (Jeffery), Lois H. Culler (Paul) and Donna H. Jarzab (Shawn); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. The family wishes to recognize the staff of Life's Promise Personal Care Home for their extraordinary care and daily expressions of love given to Ted during his time living there. Out of concern for public safety due to the high risk of covid-19 spread, there will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held for family members at St. James Ev. Lutheran Church, Ligonier, at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the United Church of Christ Penn West Conference "Caring for Churches, Caring for Clergy Campaign" (320 S. Maple Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601) , St. James Ev. Lutheran Church (300 West Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658) or a charity of choice.line