SHERMAN- Robert "Bob" James Erickson, 85, of Sherman, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at St Vincent's Hospital in Erie, PA with family at his side.

He was born March 16, 1934 in Dunkirk, NY, the son of the late Robert and Alice Richmond Erickson.

Bob had been an elementary teacher at Chautauqua Central School for thirty-three years where he was loved and respected by both his students and colleagues. He was always there for his friends to lend a hand doing various jobs with his Kubota.

He was a member of the Peacock Lodge #696 F&AM Masonic Lodge in Mayville, a lifetime member of the Chautauqua Fire Department where he gave over 60 years of service, and a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.

Bob was a star basketball player at his alma maters; Dunkirk High School and Fredonia State University where his nickname was 'Ace'.  Bob had fond memories of his time coaching JV and Varsity basketball at CCS. He was a talented artist. He enjoyed being in the woods, fishing, hunting deer and turkey, wood working, riding in his golf cart, wood burning, and most of all, time with family.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a kind and thoughtful man to everyone. Bob had many wonderful friends and was always known to have a good joke.

He is survived by his loving wife; Donna Webber Erickson, whom he married January 21, 1978 in Ripley, NY, two daughters; Janet "John" (Dale) Weatherlow and Susan "George" (Mark) Graziano, seven grandchildren: Ryan (Morgan) McChesney, Zach Weatherlow, Travis Fisher, Nick (Jen) Fisher, Rachel Fisher, Dylan and Dustin Graziano, two great grandchildren: Blake and Sophia McChesney, one God Child; Kimberly Neal, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, a very special friend and neighbor; Dan Kelsey, and his faithful canine companion; Lewey.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a stepson; Don Martin, a grandson; Joshua McChesney, and four sisters; Marilyn Mahany, Jean Mekus, Marge Delcamp, and Barbara Jane Erickson.

There will be a celebration of life held from 1-5PM on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at the CHQ Barn (4324 Chautauqua-Stedman Rd, Mayville). A special time of reflection will be held at 1PM with the Rev. Wendy Heinz officiating. A private graveside service will be held in the North Harmony Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations can be made to the Chautauqua Fire department (PO Box F, Chautauqua,

NY 14722) or the Chautauqua Humane Society (2825 Strunk Rd, Jamestown, NY, 14701.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com