John S. Erickson, 76, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2015 in Marblehead, MA surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. John was born in Queens, New York. He attended Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a Bachelors in Metallurgical Engineering and earned a PhD in Materials Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
John served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.
John began his career at General Electric in Schenectady, NY, continued with Pratt and Whitney in CT and then returned to GE in Schenectady eventually joining GE Aviation in 1980 as the section-level executive and technical leader of the Materials Development Organization, supporting both Evendale OH and Lynn MA aircraft engine development. In this capacity, John guided a large materials engineering staff and identified promising materials and processing development strategies through interaction with GE engineering leaders, aircraft manufacturers, and US government customers.
For two and a half decades, John and his team developed an impressive portfolio of aerospace material advances across a diverse array of materials; including superior metallic alloys, novel composite materials, and multi-functional coatings. Collectively, these material advances have enabled an immeasurable upward arc of aircraft engine capability that has benefited both military and civilian aircraft.
Over his career, John left an indelible mark on the wider materials community – both within and outside of GE Aviation. John was widely respected and will be remembered as a dedicated engineer and leader who calmly approached his job with the utmost graciousness, fairness, and a dedication to mentoring younger engineers so that they might someday fill his shoes.
John loved spending time collecting antique clocks and oriental rugs, playing golf, boating, fishing, American history and spending time with his extended family. He was always known for his great sense of humor, calm demeanor, strong work ethic, intelligence and bringing laughter to any situation.
John was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He was married for over 49 years to his beloved wife, Karen Ryan Erickson, and they had two daughters, Kathleen (Kate) Erickson Gibbons of Marblehead, MA and Elizabeth (Betsy) Erickson O'Neill of Milton, MA. He was the cherished grandfather to Megan Elizabeth Gibbons, Matthew Ryan Gibbons, Claire Elise O'Neill, Mary (Mae) Carmel O'Neill and Avery Catherine O'Neill. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews along with a father-in-law to Thomas A. Gibbons and John P. O'Neill.
John and Karen traveled extensively and enjoyed the winter seasons in Hobe Sound, Florida. He was also a member of the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead for over 22 years and a longtime member of the Our Lady Star of the Sea parish in Marblehead.
Visiting hours will be on Monday, December 21, 2015 from 4:00pm-8:00pm in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (corner of North St.) Salem, MA 01970. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 10:00AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA 01945.
Relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, www.CareDimensions.org.