Robert J. Erickson, 81, of West Brookfield, formerly of Holden, died on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Quabog Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center in West Brookfield after a long illness.

Bob was born in Holden, a son of Eskel and Ingrid (Bjorklund) Erickson. He graduated from Holden High School and began his career as a self-employed building contractor. He built many homes in Holden including the Avery Heights neighborhood.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan F. (Shortt) Erickson; two sons, Kris Erickson of West Brookfield and Bradford Erickson and his wife, Jill of the Jefferson section of Holden; five grandchildren, Jennifer Erickson, Alicia Hume and her husband, Jacob, Sean Erickson, Nicholas Erickson and Jinean Erickson; and his sister, June Belisle of Rutland. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean King.

Bob lived in Holden until he retired and built a home in West Brookfield in 1996. He loved living in the country and traveling, especially to Guatemala to visit Joan’s father. He enjoyed visiting out of the way places along the coast of Maine and visits to Disney World with his grandchildren. Bob also enjoyed creating custom picture frames for his wife’s paintings, as well as helping her to display them at the shows she participated in.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Palmer Dialysis for their care and assistance of Bob over the past 2 1/2 years.

There are no calling hours. A private funeral service will be held at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St. Holden. Memorial donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515 or a charity of one’s choice .