Robert Willard Erickson

With profound sorrow we announce the passing of Robert Willard Erickson, 89, on February 28, 2025 in New Albany, Ohio. Born on May 19, 1935, in Everett, Washington, Robert was the son of Olive Erickson (née Eddy) and Hjalmer Carl Erickson. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother Donald Eddy Erickson, Don’s wife, Joyce (née Sundberg) Erickson, and daughter-in-law Christine (Fostano) Erickson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Erickson (nee Schumacher), stepsons Craig and Jeff Pepper, his daughter-in-law Mary Fasone, former wife Barbara, children Michael (Denise ), Ann (Glen), and Randal, grandchildren Kristen (Josh), Erik, Jamie, Kari, Aaron, Travis (Karen), and great grandchildren Melody and Symphony, nieces Sharlyn and Steffi, nephews Dean and Dave.

Robert developed an early love of music and embarked on a successful music career when he and three classmates won a talent contest in high school. Upon graduation, his group was awarded a full scholarship to the College of Puget Sound where the band became known as “The Four Saints”. The four men later joined the Air Force and became a unit within the United States Air Force Band, performing for fellow service members all over the world. They even performed at the White House. In the 1960s, The Four Saints made a number of record albums including a major label release that led to a 1963 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

After his music career, Robert worked in the restaurant business and met his dear wife, Teresa, who worked at the same restaurant. They lived in the Forest Park neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio and benefited from lifelong friendships with several of their neighbors. Robert continued working into his early 80s as a medical supplies courier making deliveries to nursing homes all over Ohio. In 2023, he and Teresa moved to an independent community in New Albany, Ohio.

Throughout his life, Robert was fortunate to be surrounded by family and close friends. He enjoyed entertaining at home, music, golfing, caring for his lawn, tinkering in his garage, working on his computer, and watching sports on TV. At their independent living community, Robert exercised daily on the stationary bike in the fitness center.

Robert had a wonderful sense of humor, positive disposition, exuded warmth, and was very brave throughout multiple illnesses. He will be missed very much.

Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Administration, Summit Hospice, Comfort Keepers, and Smith’s Mill Independent Care for their excellent care of Robert.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to support other Veterans at Chalmers P. Wylie VA. Please make your check payable to "Chalmers P. Wylie VA" and write "in memory of Robert Willard Erickson" in the memo section. Please mail your check to Chalmers P. Wylie VA, 420 North James Road, (ATTN: 00V), Columbus, OH 43219.

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