Ronald L. Erickson

Ronald L. Erickson, 79, known to friends and family as Ronnie, passed away on December 29, 2022.

He was born on January 11, 1943, in Worcester, MA, to his late parents Edwin R. Erickson and Mildred M. (Martin) Erickson. Ronnie attended both the Boston School for Deaf in Randolph, MA, and the West Boylston Public Schools, where he had a favorite teacher, Ralph W. Wilbur, who ran the print room. Despite being born deaf, he was determined to succeed and attended Fitchburg State University where he learned a specialized style of print called linotype.

Throughout his life, Ronnie worked at, E.D.I, Geosearch Inc, and T.D.S., all located in Sterling. He also worked as a machine operator for many plastic molding companies in Clinton, Sterling, and West Boylston. He was employed for many years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, performing custodial work and dining room preparedness. Ronnie also worked alongside his brother Gary and his wife Dianne's family business, Ground Water Supply Company in Sterling.

Ronnie was a devoted husband to Elaine M. (Landry) Erickson, whom he married on May 10, 1975. Elaine was the love of his life, and their marriage was a testament to the true power of love and commitment. Together they had a great love for cats, of which they had many. Ronnie was a proud owner of a Toyota Rav-4, which he cherished and took great care of. He would often be seen wearing his Toyota hat, which showed his admiration and loyalty to the brand. He was a man of Catholic faith and a longtime parishioner of St. Cecilia Church in Leominster. Ron appreciated all the attention and loving care from Summit Elder Care of Leominster.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Elaine M. Erickson of Leominster, his brother Gary Erickson, and his wife Dianne of West Boylston, his two stepchildren, Gail Butler and her husband Philip of Maine, Barry Whalen and his wife Betty Ann of Florida, and many step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Mildred, his brother Richard Erickson in 2016, a niece, Sandra J. Erickson in 1989 and two stepchildren, Steven and Gary Whalen.

A graveside service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 13 at High Plain Cemetery at the top of High Street in West Boylston (Oakdale Section) followed by a reception at the Oakdale United Methodist Church. Arrangements are in the care of Fay Brothers Life Celebration Home, 1 West Boylston St., West Boylston.