Donald Leroy Erickson, age 95, of Hamden passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Donald, who needed no prodding to regale family and friends with a good story, viewed life as an endless adventure, from his decades-long career as the owner of Don's Appliance Sales and Repair to travels near and far with his wife of 57 years, Arline Barera Erickson who passed away in 2010. An avid member of the AMVETS, Elks Club, Gideons International and Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hamden, he loved being in and building his community. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Donald was born in Armstrong, Iowa to Vilas and Sophia, is survived by his daughter, Donna Olsen and her husband Bob, son Wayde Erickson and his wife Jeanette, as well as his brother Maurice. Grandchildren include Carlene Olsen, Caitlin Soler, her husband Richard and their son Arthur, Amy Erickson, and Alex Erickson. He is predeceased by siblings, Winston Erickson, Margaret Weber and Marie Reese.
Military Honors will be given and a celebration of Don's life will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 600 Shepard Avenue, Hamden on August 20th at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that any donations in his memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project .