Donald Erickson, 81, of Center Township, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2015, at home with his family by his side. His passing occurred following a brief illness.Born March 14, 1934, the only child of the late Henry and Gwendolyn Erickson, Duck was a member of the Center Township #3 Fire Department for over 60 years, serving as fire chief for more than 25 of those years. He was a member of the Center Democratic Committee for many years, as well as a member of VanKirk Lutheran Church. He retired from J&L Steel Corp. in Aliquippa, and the Center Township Sewer Authority.Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Norma (Johnson) Erickson, with whom he was united in marriage on August 30, 1952; seven children, Donna (George) Gillin of Shippingport, Bonnie (Richard) Gillin of Rochester, Cathy (Albert) Smith of Georgetown, Timothy (Donna) Erickson of Center Township, Becky (Phillip) Lukon of Burgettstown, David Erickson at home and Sherry (Kenneth) Caplinger of Center Township; nine grandchildren, Denise (Shawn) McCreary, Richard Gillin, Jr., Janice (John) Gural, Julie (Tony) Zarillo, Zachary (Cheryl) Smith, Jessica (Allen) Applegarth, Laura (Brian) Pastorak, Kyle Lukon and Cody Caplinger; 11 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Nick and Matthew McCreary, Dakota and Dante Gural, Gianna and Santino Zarillo, Harley and Austin Smith and Mason and Aubrey Applegarth; and a great-great-grandson, Brady McCreary.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson, Donald R. Erickson and a great-grandson, Charles Howard McCreary.Duck was a terrific father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather and will be sadly missed by all those who loved him.Friends will be received Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. His pastor, Rev. A. Patrice Wierick, will officiate.Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.Members of the Center Township #3 Fire Department will conduct a memorial service Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Center Township #3 Fire Department, 110 VanKirk Road, Monaca, PA 15061, or VanKirk Lutheran Church, 106 VanKirk Road, Monaca, PA 15061.The family would like to thank all the employees of VITAS Hospice for the loving care they extended to Duck, especially Andrea and Pam.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.