Penny J. Ericson

GLOUCESTER, Mass. – It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Penny Jean Ericson, 57, daughter of Richard and Denise Rubin of York Harbor, Maine, and a resident of Gloucester, Massachusetts, who left us far too soon. She passed away peacefully in August, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family and friends.

Born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, Penny was the beloved daughter of Richard and Denise Rubin. Penny lived in Newton, Mass., as a child and her family spent summers in Gloucester, Mass., where she grew to love the ocean and the beach.

Penny attended BB&N High School in Cambridge, Mass., then continued her education at Syracuse University, where she met her future husband, John Ericson, and earned her B.A. from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She later completed her MBA at Babson College.

After college, she lived for several years in her hometown and in 1998, the family moved to Andover, Mass., where they spent 23 years. In 2020, Penny realized her lifelong dream to be back by the ocean when they moved to Gloucester, not too far from her summer home. In recent years she could often be found on the beach, either walking with friends or spending time with family. Her affection for the ocean in the summer was complemented by her passion for skiing in the winter. Always striving to be active, Penny spent countless winter weekends and holidays with family and friends at Sugarloaf in Maine.

Penny’s professional career reflected her entrepreneurial spirit, highlighted by the creation of her own company, Patina. She also had product management and leadership roles at Hasbro, Keds, Striderite, and most recently as a Vice President at Converse. Her success never overshadowed her humility or compassion, which endeared her to both colleagues and family alike.

Above all, Penny’s devotion to her family stood as the most treasured aspect of her life. Her husband, John, and children, Nicole, and Matthew, held an unshakable place in her heart.

Penny leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love and compassion that will forever shine through the hearts of her husband John; her children, Nicole, and Matthew; her parents, Richard, and Denise; her siblings, Tracy and Russell, and her very wide circle of friends.

Her services will be held privately.

Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online guestbook please visit http://www.greelyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Jimmy Fund Walk, Team Name Barb’s Breeze, which the family has supported for over 10 years.