June 21, 1937 ~ May 4, 2026
John Ellsworth Erikson, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. He was born on June 21, 1937, in Reading, Massachusetts, to the late Alden Farnum and Agatha Welsh Erikson.
John graduated from Reading High School in 1955, where he distinguished himself as a talented and dedicated athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ice hockey, and continued his love for hockey at Nicholas Junior College in Dudley, Massachusetts. Following high school, John proudly served his country in the National Guard. He went on to further his education at Husson College in Bangor, Maine, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. John built a long and successful career as a salesman, working for over 50 years before his retirement.
John met the love of his life, Marilyn Dean from Newton, Massachusetts, and together they built a strong and loving family. As a devoted husband and father, he always made time for his children, both at home and in the community. He coached Little League baseball, soccer, and football, and was also a dedicated coach for the Yarmouth and Dennis traveling hockey teams.
An avid sports enthusiast throughout his life, John enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball with friends and spent many happy years golfing, especially during his retirement, when he achieved a hole-in-one. He loved his Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots.
Beyond athletics, he was a man of many talents and passions. He was musically gifted, playing both the guitar and keyboard, and expressed his creativity through watercolor and oil painting. John also had a remarkable green thumb, taking great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard and garden.
John had a deep appreciation for music, especially the blues, and was a devoted fan of artists like Eric Clapton and Derek Trucks. He was also an exceptional cook, known for his delicious tiramisu, veal piccata, and veal marsala. He had a particular love for Italian and Mexican cuisine, influenced in part by the time he spent living in San Antonio, Texas.
John is survived by his children: Paul (Mary) Erikson, Alicia (Edward) Curly, Valerie Erikson, and William Erikson; his grandchildren: Maverick (Daniela) Erikson, Travis Erikson, Meghan Erikson; and his great-grandchildren: Ryan Erikson, and Zoey Erikson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his partners, Anne and Donna; and his brother, Alden (Norma) Erikson.
John will be remembered for his warmth, his talents, his dedication to family, and the lasting impact he had on everyone who knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME – WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.
