Harold Richard Erikson

Harold Richard Erikson, age 92, passed peacefully Feb. 2, 2016, surrounded by his family.  He was born Feb. 13, 1923, in Queens. His parents, John and Walborg, immigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1913. Harold and his older brother, John Clifford, were first generation Americans.

Harold married Patricia (née Cotter) June 22, 1947, after completing his naval service in World War II. They had two children, John and Lori. John married Janet (née Walter) and Lori married John Lettieri. Harold had four grandchildren: Karen Josefyk and Bryn Ponti (née Erikson) and John and Nicole Lettieri. He had one great-grandson, Lawson Josefyk.

Harold graduated from Pratt Institute with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. Harold completed his Naval Officer Training at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and served as the chief engineering officer of the USS Gyatt.

After his military service, Harold became vice president and chief engineer with Bergen Patterson Pipe Support Co., where he worked for over 40 years. For the remainder of his career he worked as a consultant for Fronek Company, Inc. and Bergen Power Pipe Support, Inc. Retirement eluded him as he was recalled regularly to consult with professional affiliations to share his extensive knowledge and expertise. He continued to be an active leader and contributed as an officer and board member of the Manufacturers Standardization Society, which establishes international standards for securing piping in power plants.

Harold’s curious nature kept him actively involved in the pursuit of learning throughout his entire life and he continued to be an active and integral member of his community. He was, until recently, treasurer of the Greater Calverton Civic Association, where he and his beloved wife Pat have owned a home for nearly 60 years.

Family and friends gathered in the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 5,  for a beautiful snow covered funeral service at Calverton National Cemetery where Harold received military honors for his years in the U.S. Navy.

Harold was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and an invaluable contributor to the engineering industry and his local community. He will be missed by all.

Memorial donations may be made to Kent Animal Rescue in Calverton, New York.

This is a paid notice.