Reginald P. "Reggie" Erwin, 76, of North Main Street, Waterbury,
passed away at his home on Sunday, September 20, 2009. Born in
Burlington on November 24, 1932, he was the son of the late Leon and
Mabel (Vosburg) Erwin. On April 23, 1955, Reggie married the former
Darlene A. Bleau in Burlington. Darlene predeceased Reggie on November
9, 2005.
Reggie attended Burlington schools and at the age of 17 joined the U.S.
Army. As a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Reggie served for four
years, which included two years service during the Korean War. He was
also a member of the 1st Army Honor Guard.
Reggie was an active and industrious man throughout his years. His
employment began as a truck driver for many years; he was manager of
Vee-Jay Chemical Corp. of Waterbury; and was manager of the ST Griswold
Chemical Division in both Waterbury and Williston; he operated the
former Waterbury Bowling Alley and then, in 1975, began a career in law
enforcement. Joining the Waterbury Village Police Department, Reggie
was a familiar and comforting presence. He attended many law
enforcement training schools and was a graduate of the New England
Institute of Law Enforcement Management at Babson College. In November
1994, Reggie retired as detective sergeant from the Waterbury force.
Never one to sit idle, Reggie served the Village of Waterbury as
president of the trustees, worked part time for the Washington County
Sheriff's Department, was a partner with his son, Reggie, in Erwin and
Son House Painting, was property manager for several Waterbury Village
commercial buildings and managed the Waterbury Flea Market on Route 2
in Waterbury for several years. Reggie was a member of the Harry N.
Cutting American Legion Post 59 of Waterbury, was a life member of VFW
Post 10034 of Waterbury and served several years as a member of the
Waterbury Village Volunteer Fire Department. In 2007, Burlington High
School presented Reggie with an honorary diploma.
Reggie is survived by his children, Darla Dunster and her husband Clair
Jr. "Skip" of Waterbury, Michael Erwin of Stowe, Brien Erwin and his
wife Kelley of Waterbury Center, and Rupert Erwin and his companion
Patty Fleury of Waterbury Center; 13 grandchildren and seven
great-grandchildren; a special daughter-in-law, Carol Erwin of
Waterbury Center; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. A
son, Reginald P. Erwin, as well as five sisters and a brother
predeceased him.
Memorial services will be held from the Waterbury Congregational Church
on Thursday, September 24, at 1 p.m. with inurnment to follow in the
Waterbury Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts would be
appreciated to the Waterbury Food Shelf, 57 South Main Street,
Waterbury, VT 05676, to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, P.O. Box 576, Waterbury, VT
05676 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter, 300
Cornerstone Drive, Suite 210, Williston, VT 05495. To send online
condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family is
the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
