Francis G. Erickson “Swede”

Francis G. “Swede” Erickson, age 87, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Marilou Zitnay Erickson, passed away on September 3, 2018 in West Haven VA Medical Center. Swede was born in Carmel, New York on February 28, 1931 to the late Francis D. and Edith ( Adams) Erickson, and moved to Stratford when he was thirteen years old. He was a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War who served with the 1st Calvary Division. Swede was a retired fireman for the Town of Stratford and a retired Fairfield County Deputy Sheriff. Swede was a lifelong sportsman; in the 1950’ s and early 1960’ s, Swede played fast pitch softball for Stonybrook Restaurant, Dominic Restaurant, Merrit Canteen, Sikorsky Aircraft, the Norwalk Eagles, and the Raybestos Cardinals, where he was part of the national championship teams in 1955 and 1958. During his career, he pitched a perfect game and seven no hitters. He was an amazing bowler, winning many tournaments, and an avid golfer, scoring holes in one in 1967 and 1976. Swede was also the Assistant Pro at Yale Golf Course. He was a member of Stratford Old Timers Athletic Assoc., where he was the recipient of the Golden Crown Award in 2003 and the John “Jack” Geary Achievement Award in 2007. Swede was a member of VFW Post 9460 Stratford and was a life member of the American Legion Post 16 in Shelton. After leaving high school early to enlist in the Army, Swede was very proud of earning his High School Diploma in 2008. Survivors include his daughter, Barbara Lynn Brown and her husband Donald of Shelton, his step- daughter, Gwen Cook and her husband John of Shelton, his grandchildren, Julie Davidson and her husband Alan, Joe Allen and his wife Tracey, and Paul Allen and his wife Melanie, and his cherished great- grandchildren, Jacob and Madalyn, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are private and have been entrusted to the Adzima Funeral Home - Stratford. Those desiring may make a donation to a charity of choice in memory of Swede. To make an online condolence please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com