John B. Erickson, 71, passed away unexpectedly at Mercy Medical Center with the love of his family surrounding him. Born June 25, 1947 in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Edwin E. and Dorothy H. (Whitehead) Erickson. John was raised in Springfield and graduated from The High School of Commerce in 1965. John joined the Naval Reserves while at Commerce and upon graduation enlisted into the United States Navy. He served his country from 1966 thru 1968 while on the USS Mississinewa navigating the ship in the Mediterranean Sea. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1968 he married the love his life, Mary J. (Sullivan) on February 1, 1969 in Monson, MA. They settled in East Longmeadow and welcomed their daughter Erika in 1971 and lived there until Mary’s passing on May 25, 1990. John was also predeceased by his sister, Laura J. Erickson of Indian Orchard, MA in 2004. An avid history buff, animal lover and Boston Red Sox fan, John lived in Southwick for the last 17 years. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: his family, especially Monday night dinners at his sister’s, his treasured dog Abby, fishing and supporting his grandson’s hockey team. He leaves his beloved daughter Erika L. Lambert (Christopher P.) of Belchertown, his sisters, Judy G. Saunders (Kurt A.) of Southwick & Suffield, Kathy J. Medlin (Brian J.) of Nashville, IN, his adored grandson, Cody P. Lambert of Belchertown, along with cousins, nephews, several nieces, and their children. John also leaves an honorary brother and friend, Timothy P. Sullivan (Janice M.) of Chicopee. At the time of his sudden passing he was undergoing treatment at Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The family wishes to thank Dr. Farooqui, the nurses and staff who offered the most compassionate care to John and his family during his treatment. A funeral home service will take place at 12:00 Noon, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway (Highway 10/202), Southwick. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State St., Springfield. The family will receive friends in the funeral home from 4:00PM- 7:00PM on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 In lieu of flowers, contribution in John’s name may be made to Sister Caritas Cancer Center, 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA. 01104. Please visit www.forastiere.com<http://www.forastiere.com to offer a personal expression of sympathy.
