Eric Paulson

Carl Eric Paulson, Jr. passed away on January 4, 2024, joining his beloved wife Joan in heaven.

Born in Erie, PA, Eric grew up in Fairview, attending Fairview High School, playing football, and spending his childhood exploring the airfield next door, and nurturing a lifelong passion for aviation. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Joan Rausch. 

After graduating from Fairview, Eric enlisted in the US Army - Third Infantry Division, serving in Germany and Fort Knox, KY, until 1961. He was proud of his service and remained close to several of his Third ID brothers, participating in many Third Infantry Division reunions and events throughout the years. After his service, he and Joan returned to Erie to raise their family.

Once home in Erie, Eric pursued his dream of becoming a pilot and working a number of jobs to make it happen. Delivering milk for Sealtest, hauling cars with his uncle, fueling planes and as a flight instructor at the airport. Most of his career was spent in the skies, flying corporate aircraft as a charter pilot for Erie Airways, and then for Hammermill Paper and International Paper. Over 30 years were spent in Erie and Fairview, where Eric was a member of the Erie Maennerchor, the Erie Elks Lodge, and the Fairview American Legion. His hobbies included fishing on Lake Erie with dear friends, hunting, and bowling in the Maennerchor Bowling League.

Eric and his family began a new chapter when they relocated to Mobile, AL, thanks to a work opportunity with International Paper. After retiring from IP, Eric and Joan enjoyed their retirement, touring the US in their RV, camping along the Gulf Coast, and spending time with friends, as well as visiting their children and grandchildren.

Eric is missed by his children, Craig (Natalie) Paulson of Seneca, SC, and Jesica Paulson of Chicago, IL, as well as his grandchildren Codey (Lindsey) Paulson of Southside, AL, Troy Paulson of Mobile, AL, Conner Paulson of Southside, AL, and great-grandson Corbyn Paulson of Southside, AL. He is also survived by three siblings, Joyce (Tom) River, Carolyn Cooper, and Donald (Janie) Paulson, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and lifetime friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Joan (Rausch) Paulson; his parents, Florence and Eric Paulson; his uncle and sister-in-law, Donald and Jacqueline (Rausch) Paulson; and his brother-in-law, Gary Cooper.

A celebration of his life will be held at Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard on June 29th with visitation from 11:00am - 1:00pm and graveside service with military honors to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Fairview American Legion Post 742, the Society of the Third Infantry Division (www.society3rdid.org), or a US Veterans charity of your choice, honoring Eric's dedication to his country and military service.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com