Donald K. Erickson

Don (Donald K) Erickson, 89, Penn Yan, died peacefully on July 1, 2023, due to unexpected health complications.

A Service of Remembrance will be held Saturday, September 30, at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church, 166 Main Street at 11:00am. 

Don was predeceased by Priscilla Duryea McCloskey Erickson, his loving wife and companion of 35 years. What began in the 1970s with seasonal visitations to Keuka Lake became a lasting union with East Bluff Drive as their permanent home.

Both Don and Priscilla had successful careers—across California, New Jersey, and Virginia combined—before moving to the Finger Lakes full-time. In 1993, they accepted employment at Keuka College, with Don working as faculty and Priscilla in administration. Recognizing the strong allure of this beautiful region, Don and Priscilla established their home as the Tudor Hall Bed and Breakfast on Keuka Lake, an iconic landmark that they owned and operated for 24 years. For 12 of those years, they worked at the Walt Disney World Attraction in Orlando during their winter off-season. They were also avid recreational bicycle enthusiasts.

Prior marriages blessed Don and Priscilla with a wonderful family of six children. The McCloskey children are Jason (Trystin) in Golden, CO; Eric (Kasia) in Kentfield, CA; and Deena (Jay Allen) in Seattle, WA. The Erickson children are Garth (Rachel), Williams Bay, WI; Scott (Joyce), Highlands Ranch, CO; and Brenda LaCroix (Bob), Fairfax, VA. This blend of six children and their spouses produced an outstanding progeny of 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom love to spend time on beautiful Keuka Lake.

Don and Priscilla were active in the Penn Yan United Methodist Church and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce. Following Priscilla's death in 2018, Don continued to live in their lakeside home and became more active in local volunteer efforts through his church and other organizations, including Paul’s Place at The Living Well Ministry, the hospice program of the University of Rochester Medicine Home Care, the Krossin' Keuka FUNdraiser for Keuka Comfort Care Home, and service opportunities throughout the community.

At Don’s request: Memorial gifts may be directed to the Penn Yan United Methodist Church (166 Main Street), The Living Well Mission (121 E Elm St), or Keuka Comfort Care Home (35 E Lake Rd).

Arrangements entrusted to Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.