Gerald P. Erb

DALTON, Mass.— Gerald P. Erb of Dalton passed away unexpectedly of a brief illness on September 25, 2016, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, Mass.

He was born in Ryder, N.D., in 1932 to Laura Peterson Erb and Clayton Furlong Erb.

Jerry retired from the US Navy as Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service in supply and cryptography. His first ship the USS Rendova participated in the hydrogen bomb test in the Marshall Islands, where he witnessed the event, becoming an "Atomic Veteran." He served much time at sea aboard carriers Hancock, Rendova , Ticonderoga, the Sub Tender USS Sperry, and the Ammunition ship USS Wrangell. He also served with the Fleet Service air Squad in San Diego.

Jerry served several tours to Korea and Vietnam during the conflicts as well as the Six Days War in the Middle East. His duty as Navy recruiter for Berkshire County, 1963-67, was enjoyed by his family and they elected to return here at Jerry's retirement.

After returning Jerry began a 25-year career with the US Post Office in Pittsfield, retiring in 1997.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Bell Erb; sons Kevin Erb of Livingston, Mont., and John and Laura Erb of North Andover, Mass.,; five grandchildren, Brian Baccaro, Brenna Baccaro Langendorf , Laura Erb, Alicia Erb and Sean Erb; son-in-law Robert Baccaro; sisters Olive Boots, Shirley Schieve and Sheryl and husband Jeff Tolson; and a large extended family in North Dakota.

His beloved daughter Lorene Erb Baccaro and son Jerry (Gerald) Erb are deceased, as well as brother Dale Erb and sister Joyce DeWitz.

Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Gerald P. Erb of Dalton who passed away on September 25, 2016, will be held Thursday, Sept. 29, at noon at the Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton. Burial with military honors will follow in Ashuelot Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Erb may be made to Soldier On in care of the funeral home, 890 Main Street, Dalton, MA 01226.