Curtis R. (Buzz) Ericson, 60, of Clearwater FL, died suddenly from an accidental fall at home on Sunday, July 5, 2009.
Born in Bradford, PA, he moved here from Simpsonville, SC in 2001. After 8 years of employment, he purchased WLSV AM Radio Station in Wellsville, NY and continued as owner for 7 more years. He was also a Volunteer Fireman, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and worked for Johnson Control at the Michelin headquarters in Greenville, SC. He also worked for the Marion Daily Reporter in Illinois. He was a US Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War earning the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Lions Club, and the Bradford Club holding offices in several of them. He was listed in Who s Who of the East and enjoyed playing golf and collecting Zippo lighters as well as other novelties.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Karen; two sons, Michael and Todd, both of No. Palm Beach, FL; brother, Jim and wife, Marlene, of Bradford; sister, P.J. Murray and husband, Paul of Tierra Verde, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Buzz’s life will be held 2 – 4 PM on Saturday, July 25th at the Eagles Country Club, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, Odessa, FL 33556. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SPCA or a local Lions Club.
A memorial service will take place in Bradford at a later date.
Karen we were so sorry to hear of the accident and passing of Buzzy. Young friendships last long and we always thought of you two with laughter in our hearts and a smile on our faces. We send our love, prayers, and condolences to you and your family. Love, Lee & Gloria
I send my condolences on your loss of Buzzy. Years ago I babysat your sons when you visited Bradford. I remember the warmth and closeness of your family. May the happy memories help you through this sad loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
I am Dick Van Peer’s brother and live in Omaha. For the past six or seven years I have come to Florida to play golf with Dick and got to know Buzz as we played golf. I will miss him dearly and going to Florida to play golf just won’t be the same anymore. I am sorry for your family with his passing.
No words can describe how devastated we feel losing our good friend, Buzzard. Karen, we’re both so glad that you have been our friends over the past few years, and that we’ve been a part of your lives. We’re glad we got to be with you for Buzz’s 60th birthday – it will just never be the same for any of us. We both miss Buzz terribly, and we’ll never forget him. Thank you both so much for all of the good memories. We hope they comfort you as well.
Karen, if there’s anything you need you know we’ll always be there for you. And Mike, Todd, Jim, Marlene, PJ, and Paul – all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you all.
Mike and Melody Meoni
Our family will never be the same without you. You were my favorite brother-in-law and no that’s not because you were my only brother-in-law!!! You were always such ” a gas” to be around. We will never forgot all the jokes, fun and laughter we shared over the last 45 years. Art and I loved you so much and we will miss you deeply.
Karen, Mike & Todd we love you and we pray God gives you strength to get through the coming days.
Love,
Aunt Barbie & Uncle Art
Karen and family,
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We still can hear Buzz’s contagious laughter and always smiling face.
God Bless, we are so sorry for your loss.
Please keep in touch.
Know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you
We are so sorry to hear about the untimely death of Buzz.
We only knew him for a short time and enjoyed seeing and talking with him when he made his trips to Bradford for the Zippo Swap Meets.
Buzz bought several collector lighter boxes from us and the special one we made for his Corvette Lighter display.
We will miss his visits. Our prayers are with your family.
Guy and Linda
There is a special dispensation for souls like Buzzy in God’s heart for Buzzy had “It” that special love of sharing life, that delightful laughter when we were in the greatest trouble, that loyalty and solid committment to his family and friends. He was without a doubt my best friend in all the world. I will miss him terribly. My heart goes out to you Karen specially, to Mike and Todd, to Jim and Patty and to all Buzz’s friends and family.
I am so sorry to hear about Buzz. He was in my homeroom in high school. I will never forget his light-up tie at the Christmas assembly. Nor will I forget Buzz. Great guy and a great loss for everyone.
Karen Ann,
(Who else would call you that!) I was shocked and saddened to hear of Buzzy’s sudden and unexpected death. I can only imagine what you must be going through! Be sure that you have my love, sympathy and prayers in this tragic time. Though we have been far apart, you’ve always been in my thoughts.
Love,
Vicki
DEAREST KAREN AND FAMILY, WE WERE SO SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR GREAT LOSS. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER BUZZ’S GREAT SMILE AND LAUGH. WE PRAY GODS COMFORT WILL HELP YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. LOVE FROM YOUR COUSINS MARY ELLEN AND KEN
Karen, Jim, Marlene, Ron & Sue …… We were so sad to read about Buzzy. You all have a special place in our hearts and wish we could ease your pain. We think of Buzzy with a smile on his face and the warmth of his laugh. Just wanted you to know even though the years pass by, some friendships remain in our hearts forever.
Dear Karen,
I was so very sad to hear the news of Buzz’s death. Please know that you and your family are in my heart and prayers. When I think of both of you, it is with many happy memories and always smiles. Love, Sandy
Dear Karen, We are so saddened by the passing of Buzzy. We, too, remember his laugh and the passion he had for life. Joe remembers him in Key Club and all the parties they had together. I remember how much you loved him. You are all in our prayers.
I had the opportunity to work for Buzz in the 80’s at WLSV radio,as I began my broadcasting career. He was kind, gentle and simply a decent human being. I am deeply saddened by his death and hope for peace for his family. Twenty-nine years later, as I continue in radio, I guess I owe my start to Buzz. Thanks.
Karen,Mike and Todd,
Know that we love and miss you all. You always had an open door and Buzzie was the entertainment. I think you all know how much we loved good ole Buzz. His resillience and wonderful outlook was envieable. I’d like to think we all took notes-he had a great constitution. He was happy and loved all of you very much-we could tell. He was a joy to be around. He had that uncanny ability to make you laugh , even when you didn’t think you could. Buzzie was incredibly generous-(Put it on Uncle Buzzie’s tab!). He would just laugh and pay the piper. I like to think that he’s up there making his parents,grandparents, and Chuck and Maizie LOL.
Love, Charlie, Sue, Bethany,Mike,Reilyn and baby Michael,And Missi and Tommy. We will never forget him or any of you. Come to Pittsburgh! May God Bless you all. This is our tribute to Buzz. The Greatest brother-in-law,uncle,great-uncle,as well as father and husband. Take care all of you.
Karen,Mike and Todd,
Know that we love and miss you all. You always had an open door and Buzzie was the entertainment. I think you all know how much we loved good ole Buzz. His resillience and wonderful outlook was envieable. I’d like to think we all took notes-he had a great constitution. He was happy and loved all of you very much-we could tell. He was a joy to be around. He had that uncanny ability to make you laugh , even when you didn’t think you could. Buzzie was incredibly generous-(Put it on Uncle Buzzie’s tab!). He would just laugh and pay the piper. I like to think that he’s up there making his parents,grandparents, and Chuck and Maizie LOL.
Love, Charlie, Sue, Bethany,Mike,Reilyn and baby Michael,And Missi and Tommy. We will never forget him or any of you. Come to Pittsburgh! May God Bless you all. This is our tribute to Buzz. The Greatest brother-in-law,uncle,great-uncle,as well as father and husband. Take care all of you.
We send our condolences on the loss of Buzz. He will be missed by everyone he touched
in his life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Patricia Hinckley
We send our condolences on the loss of Buzz. He will be missed by everyone he touched
in his life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Patricia Hinckley
We send our condolences on the loss of Buzz. He will be missed by everyone he touched
in his life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Patricia Hinckley
Karen, It’s probably been 15 years or so since I last saw you and Buzz in Wellsville. I am absolutely shocked and saddened at Buzz’s tragic passing. I most remember his smile and funny personality. I think he had to be one of the happiest people I ever met. please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen,Mike,Todd,No words can say how we all feel with the loss of Buzz.The little guy was best friend. The world was a much better place with him in it. I remember so many thing with him and Joe but most of all that laught He loved life and he love you.
Karen, Michael and Todd,
I was so saddened to hear of Buzz’s death. He was such a fun loving spirit when I knew him here in Marion. He made people laugh and have a good time; his passing is too soon. My prayers are with each of you to help you through your loss. Kristi, Kim and Don all share in your sadness. Kristi was on her way to Marion but took a side stop to see her dad when he heard about Buzz. She said he needed a hug and consoling, too. Karen, if you ever get up this way, call me. Your former neighbor in Moore Park.
Jan Kramer
Karen, we are so saddened about the loss of Buzz. We were step-siblings but I just always considered you family. Before he became my stepbrother, we were all in Bradford, we go back a long way. We been through some big losses together, mom’s, dad’s and including Dick and Shari, but never thought it would be someone on your side of the family. I know he is with your mom and dad now, and that brings me a little comfort, maybe it will you. You know where we are if you ever need anything!
Love Leo, Kathi and boys
Only one man named Buzz has stepped on the Moon. Buzz, you stepped off a ladder, now you are in the heavens. We miss you….. Hit them straight and long. We miss you down here.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Karen, Mike and Todd at the loss of “Buzz”. He was our very dear neighbor and friend and will be greatly missed. It just won’t be the same pulling in our driveway and not seeing Buzz outside with the big wave. Our love and prayers to the entire family,
Cookie and Norm Roffey
We would like to thank all of you for the wonderful messages you have sent. Your kind words have warmed our hearts.
Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated during this difficult time. I don’t know what life will be like without Buzz.
A “Celebration of Life” was held in Clearwater, Fl.
A Memorial Service will be held August 29, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Bradford, Pa.
Again, we thank you for your expressions of sympathy.
Karen Mike and Todd
Karen & family,
I was just checking the Wellsville Report website and learned of Buzz’s passing. Sorry to learn of your loss.
I worked for Buzz at WLSV as a DJ, and talk-show host for many years. Always like Buzz and remember seeing himm at the Country Club many times.
My family and I left Wellsville in 1996 after selling our clothing store, Stevens Mens & Ladies Fashions.
Clara and I now live in DeLand, FL and are Realtors and Mortgage Brokers.
Get back to Wellsville each summer for the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. Can’t believe it has been 34 years since I started the event.
Saw another old WLSV DJ, Bill Jones, at the Microtel. Bill also lives in FL and is retired.
Will keep all of you in our prayers.
Ray Stevens
I just learned of Buzz’s passing. My condolences, even though many years have passed. I still have the engraved Zippo lighter you gave me for a wedding present. Treasure it still. God bless you!