J. Harold Erikson

Was born April 19, 1919 in Elmira, NY the son of the late J. Harold and Mathilda (Anderson) Erikson, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 in Aiken, SC at the age of 90. His loving wife of 67 years, Virginia E. (Leupelt) Erikson predeceased him March 29, 2008. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert B. and Mary Jo Erikson; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela J. and Richard N. Light; much loved grandchildren, Christopher Erikson and Heather Erikson Ademovic and Thomas and Kristen Light. Harold graduated from Cornell University with a BS from the School of Hotel Administration. He started his career with General Electric Company in Schenectady, NY and Louisville, KY from 1941 - 1956. He was the Assistant Controller for Raymond International, Inc. NY, NY from 1956 - 1958 and became Controller for F & M Schaefer Brewing Company, Brooklyn, NY from 1958 - 1961. In 1961 he joined SuCrest Corporation, NY, NY as the Vice President and Treasurer until he left in 1964 to become the Vice President of Finance and Planning for P. Ballantine & Sons, of Newark, NJ. He joined Associated Metals and Minerals Corporation, NY, NY in 1971 as Vice President of Operation and worked there until he retired in 1984. He was a resident of Smoke Rise, Kinnelon, NJ for 28 years. After retiring he and his wife Virginia moved to Imperial Golf Club Estates in Naples, FL where they resided for 20 years before moving to Merrill Gardens in Naples, FL for the next 3 years. Harold was very active in his church, The Community Church of Smoke Rise, NJ and Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church in Naples, FL while living there. He loved to play golf and was a member of the Lake Mohawk Golf Club in Sparta, NJ and Imperial Golf Course in Naples, FL. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed cruises. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Lay Pastor John P. Knapp will celebrate Harold's life following the at 2 PM. Interment will take place on Monday at 9:00 AM in the Woodlawn Cemetery where Harold will be laid to rest with is beloved Virginia. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for her family in obituaries at www.olthof.com