August 1, 2023 – It is with great sadness that Flagler County and the Board of County Commissioners announce the death of former two-term commissioner and U.S. Army veteran Charles Frederick Ericksen, Jr., at the age of 80 on July 31.
“Though he had moved away from the county recently to be with family, this is such a loss for Flagler County,” said Commission Chair Greg Hansen. “I know he had a number of children and grandchildren, and our sympathies are with them in their time of sorrow.”
Ericksen was elected to his first term of office in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016. He decided not to run for office again in 2020.
“Commissioner Charlie Ericksen admirably served two full terms on the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Even though he had been elected to District 1, which is roughly the area west of Belle Terre between State Road 100 and Palm Coast Parkway, he was always thoughtful and deliberate to ensure all residents of Flagler County were well represented by him.”
Ericksen was born on January 27, 1943, in Hartford, CT. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. He served in the United States Army and received the US Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
He spent most of his adult life working in the insurance industry across the United States and called the following cities home: Bloomfield (CT), Buffalo, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis, Chicago, Bismarck (ND), and Manchester (NH). Ericksen retired to Palm Coast where he was an avid bicyclist and an active member of the Board of County Commissioners.
Ericksen was especially passionate about the issues facing older adults and actively welcomed and participated in “Advocacy and Aging” community conversations that took place during his tenure on the board.
He was a staunch supporter of Flagler’s Drug Court and attended every graduation to support and cheer on the participants who worked so hard to become clean and sober.
Ericksen further demonstrated his desire to help people through his dedication to the Family Life Center Committee, and the George Washington Carver Center Governance Board.
He also served on the Circuit 7 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, the Flagler County Department of Juvenile Justice Council, the Management Advisory Group for GTMNERR, the School Planning Oversight Committee, and the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board.
Ericksen in 2016 was certified in the Advanced County Commissioner Program through the Florida Association of Counties – a 27-hour leadership program that includes seminars about making tough policy choices during tumultuous times and working with stakeholders.
There will be inurnment services for Ericksen from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 17 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S.1, Mims, FL 32754. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com for the Ericksen family.
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