Obituary of Brian D Erickson
Manville, NJ – Brian D. Erickson, 42, after several years of struggling with drug addiction and mental illness, lost his battle on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Born in Somerville to the late Donald R. and Kathleen H. (Gibbs) Erickson, Brian was a lifelong resident of Manville prior to moving to Florida to start a new life for himself.
Brian enlisted in the military and joined the United States Army. After two years serving in Mortuary Affairs, he was honorably discharged in 2005. No matter what Brian did, he excelled at it. He started working in the funeral industry with Fucillo and Warren Funeral Home and then, McCriskin Funeral Home. His passion in life was working with his hands and went on to a life of working in carpentry as a skilled craftsman who knew how to fix and build anything. In his early days, he worked with his Uncle Dennis in the family business, “Carovillano & Sons” Construction Company and never missed an opportunity to work with “Tozzi Construction.” He spent countless hours at his second home, the Raritan Golf Range. It was then, at the golf range, that he felt right at home and became the man he was today.
Brian was always good for a laugh. Pranking people, joking around and a few scratch off tickets is what got him through the day. He loved food! Food was legit his life and man, could he eat! He loved to cook, bbq, sing while cooking and he enjoyed tacos and pizza . . . he loved pizza, especially brick oven pizza. Tacos and pizza were foods he never could get enough of. His favorite time was spent on the water and enjoying the serenity of the few moments he escaped from reality. His only worry at that point would be when his line would go crazy and when he could hook a keeper.
Growing up, Brian was the brother everyone wanted and was always there to help no matter the situation. Wherever Brian was, you knew he was there. If it wasn’t the annoying loud horn in his red Nissan, or the loud exhaust on his lifted Chevy, it was him screaming “Come on Scootch” or “Would Ya.” Inside, he had the biggest heart for his nephews and nieces and when it came to animals, he always found them a home. Brian was known for his infectious smile and his baby blue eyes. He lit up the room when he walked in and always knew how to make a bad situation, better. We wish Brian knew what he meant to everyone and the impact he had on others.
Brian had struggles thorough his life, as we all do, but things became a little darker for him once his mom died. In 2010, the journey with addiction began spiraling down with several hurdles. Over the years, everyone who knew Brian gave him a chance, lent a hand, or a listening ear, but unfortunately the mind took over and he couldn’t fight any longer. One thing Brian would want is for everyone to remember who he was and the man he was, before the life of addiction.
Predeceased by his parents and grandparents, as well as his aunt Karen and uncle Dennis Carovillano, Brian leaves behind his four siblings; Karin Erickson of Bridgewater, Donald R. Erickson, Jr. and his wife Andrea of Scotch Plains, Darryl Erickson of Hillsborough and Danny Erickson and his wife Becky of Middlesex. “Funcle” Brian will be missed by nieces and nephews; Elizabeth, Anesa, DJ, Chase, McKenna and Madelyn as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
Brian would want everyone to dress casual and relaxed when they attend his life celebration on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 beginning at 12:00pm. Services will start at 3:00pm, beginning with prayers and military honors followed by reflections by family and friends. Privately, Brian will be laid to rest with his mom at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hillsborough.
Professional services are being handled by his brother at Middlesex Funeral Home. With Brian being a lifelong resident of Manville, it was only fitting to have his services at his first place of employment. Please take time and visit his interactive webpage at www.FucilloandWarrenFuneralHome.com to leave a memory for the family to remember him by. Although flowers are more than welcomed, consider a donation in Brian’s name to a charity of your choice to help make an impact and a difference, just as Brian did with all those that he knew.