Obituary of Kenneth James Erickson
Kenneth James Erickson
June 12, 1927- November 19, 2023
Kenneth Erickson was a true Patriot, devoted family man, selfless giver and legend in Elmira Heights. At the age of 96, he passed away peacefully on November 19th, 2023 in Cooperstown, NY surrounded by his loving family. He was the oldest of four children born June 12, 1927 to Eric H. and Mildred (nee Levine) Erickson of Elmira Heights, NY. He spent most of his life living either on Robinwood Ave. or the red house on 19th Street. His wife did convince him to move to Wellsville, NY for 3 short years to work for Pa Button at his lumber yard. It became obvious that Ken's true calling was to be an educator and he wanted to do it back where his heart was, Elmira Heights.
Although, Ken was born and lived through the Great Depression, he was blessed to be born into a family of Swedish immigrants who had an admirable work ethic as well a strong sense of family. His parents planted gardens, raised chickens, worked at the local steel mill and sewing factory to provide for their family. At the young age of 12, he delivered milk early every morning for the local creamery. This necessitated him running behind the truck, grabbing the glass milk bottles, putting them in the container on the porch all while farmer May drove down the street and according to Ken, "He did not slow down!" During his youth, he also had jobs delivering The Star Gazette, caddying at The Mark Twain, assistant to the school janitor and 3 summers at American Bridge Works working alongside his father. He often spoke of his love for the Boy Scouts and how it molded his life. Weekends were spent visiting with uncles, aunts, cousins and playing pinochle.
After graduating from Thomas Edison in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy and entered into active-duty June of 1945. He was assigned to the USS Arkansas located in the Pacific theater which made many trips back and forth offloading troops between Hawaii and San Francisco at the end of WWII. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1953. Once he returned from service, he began his college career at Cortland State University studying physical education. He was very proud of his success as the recipient of the Red-Letter Awards (MVP) for men's lacrosse in 1947, 1948 and 1949.
Ken had such a strong connection with Elmira Heights and its school district that he had orange and blue running through his veins. At his retirement Principal Dooley said, "Ken has given his life to the Heights School District." Once graduating from Cortland, there was no other place he wanted to go to. He dedicated 38 years of service as an educator, golf and football coach, ran the village summer recreation program, principal of Cohen, Lenox Ave, Thurston and Lincoln Schools. He eventually became the Assistant Superintendent. After his first retirement he said, "I wish I had another 38 years; I wouldn't do anything different." After his brief retirement in 1990, he so enjoyed returning back to work in various school districts in the area as a temporary Business Administrator when and where ever needed. He also learned to enjoy the fruits of his labor by having time to travel with his wife Beverly to the Western part of the USA and several cruises throughout the Caribbean. We would be remiss if we didn't mention his devotion to our beloved Valhalla, our summer vacation cabin, on Lake Nosbonsing in Ontario, Canada. He was such a trooper that his last visit to Valhalla was this fall at the age of 96.
In 1949, a beautifully spirited young lady was hired to teach 7th grade science and her room was right across from his. A few months after meeting her, he declared to his friends that "she was the girl he was going to marry." On June 28th, 1952 he married Beverly Button. Their union lasted just shy of 63 years upon her death. While raising a family, Ken remained active in local community. He was a faithful member of Oakwood United Methodist Church, Boy Scout Leader, Charter member of the Kiwanis Club, Southern Tier Lions Club, member of the American Legion, Village Trustee and Village Historian.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, wife Beverly Erickson, brother Donald Erickson and brother-in-law James Priester. He is survived by sisters Linda Priester and Sandra Erickson, sister-in-law Dona Erickson; beloved children: Sheryl Capozzi of Liverpool, NY; Alan (Mary) Erickson of Elmira Heights, NY; Kevin (Norma) Erickson of Elmira Heights, NY; Alyssa (Raymond) McGoldrick of Cooperstown, NY; his adored grandchildren: Aubrey and Emily Capozzi; Joshua (Kyle Shane), Jonas (Amy) Brian (Erika) Erickson; Zachary (Brita) Erickson, Sarah (Dave) Wing, Katie (Jared) Morgan, Joseph (Katie) Hughes; Aisling, Ciara, Fiona, Anya McGoldrick; much loved great grandchildren: Adriana, Angelyna, Jovanni, Olivia, Brayden, Logan, Mary Jane, Matthew, Ava, Madison, Parker, Evelyn, Mila, Knox and Finn.
The Erickson families will welcome relatives and friends to the BARBER FUNERAL HOME, 413 South Main Street, Horseheads, NY on Thursday, November 30th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. On Friday, December 1st from 10:00 am to11:00 am, visitation will be at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 212 Oakwood Avenue, Elmira Heights, NY. A celebration of life will follow the Friday morning visitation at 11 am. Reverend Mark Erway will officiate. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery where the Chemung County Veteran Honor Guard will accord Mr. Erickson with Military Honors and Pastor Erway will offer committal prayers. The family is beyond thankful for his caregivers (Staci, Donna, Lisa, Renee and Gloria) who cared for this amazing man. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Border Buddies Ministries Inc. (water filters) P.O. Box 1254 Elmira, NY 14902 or The Comfort Corner (for students in need at TAE) EH School District 2053 College Ave Elmira Heights, NY 14903 Attn: TAE Comfort Corner. The Walter J. Kent Funeral Home is assisting the Erickson family.
