daily obituaries Erie PA

November 14 2008

Yesterday's Obituaries...

Bick, Robert

Robert Bick, 90, formerly of East 31st Street, died Tuesday morning October 28, 2008 at his residence following a short illness. A resident of Erie all of his life, he was born in Erie on September 25, 1918 a son of the late Harry and Neva Morehouse Bick. Robert was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and had been a carpenter in bridge and building maintenance with Conrail for over 40 years before retiring in 1978. Previously he had worked at Penn Central. He was a member of Keystone Lodge # 455 F&AM and had served with the United States Army in the European Theatre during World War II. He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Gem City Outdoorsmen. He was also a former Boy Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor for over 60 years. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Harriet Kuerner Bick; two daughters, Beverly Austin and her husband Sam of Edinboro and Barbara Simmonds and her husband Conrad of Miami, Fla.; one son, James Bick and his wife Jayne of Erie; six grandchildren, Jessica Hettrick and her husband Donn, H.W. Smith III, Dr. Benjamin Haner and his wife Andrea, Allison Farrington and her husband Jason, Tina Samluck and her husband William, and Michael Ritz and his wife Elisha; and five step great grandchildren. One cousin, David A. Johnson, also survives. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. John's Lutheran Church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Roy Washill. Burial will be private in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or Great Lakes Hospice, 120 East 2nd Street, Erie, PA 16507. Funeral arrangements were made by The Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road. Send a Sympathy Note

Bonnell, Lorna

Lorna Bonnell, of Erie, formerly of Hardscrabble Blvd., died Thur., Nov. 13, 2008 at St. Mary's Asbury Ridge. Arrangements are incomplete & will be announced by the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26 St. Erie, Pa. .

Brown, Edwin J.

Edwin J. Brown, 93, formerly of Lancaster and St. Anne's Retirement Community in Columbia, died at Landis Homes in Lititz on Saturday, October 18, 2008. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana he was the son of the late George and Lulu Hamilton Brown. Edwin was the husband of the late Kathryn Minnich Brown. He was a retired test engineer for Cleaver Brooks, Aqua Chemical, Inc. in Erie, and previously worked for Erie Iron Works as an engineer making boilers. A member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Lancaster, Edwin attended Mass at St. Anne's when he resided there. Edwin was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Lancaster Chapter. An avid model railroad builder, he belonged to the Pa. and National Model Railroad Associations. He loved sailing his sailboat throughout the Caribbean and driving sports cars. Edwin was a four time Great Lakes Hand Ball Champion in Erie and he won several national hand ball tournaments. Edwin is survived by his daughter Frances "Fran" L. Kinsang of Koror, Palau; granddaughter Misty, wife of Willie Debelbot of Lancaster; grandson Mark Kinsang, stationed in Japan with the US Marines; step-granddaughter Michelle N., wife of David E. Paulnock of Willow Street; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Kathryn, Edwin was preceded in death by his daughter Kathryn "Kathy" Mitchell and his sisters Helen Casey, Mary Margaret Brown and Frances Schutte. A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday Nov. 20th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at St. Anne's Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia, Pa., with Msgr. Richard Onwuanibe as Celebrant. Following Edwin's wishes his body was donated to Humanity Gifts Registry. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be mailed to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Pa. Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Arrangements by Bachman Funeral Home, Inc., Strasburg, Pa.

Collingwood, Walter

Walter (Walt) Collingwood, 56, of Erie, Pa. died Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at Hamot Medical Center, Erie, Pa. after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born September 3, 1950 in Erie, Pa. To the late James Robert and Evelyn Nesby Collingwood, Sr. He had resided in Erie, Pa. most of his entire life. Walt was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the U.S. Marine Corp. He was employed most of his entire life as a roofer and was an avid nascar fan. He is survived by one Son - Jamie Collingwood of Erie, Pa., 8 Sisters - Susan Mintzer (Cliff) of Russell, Pa., Gayle Dean (Jim) of Charlotte, N.C., Valerie Rice (Martin) of Waterford, Pa., Brenda Skinner (Harry) of Wattsburg, Pa., Donna Nulph of Warren, Pa., Laurie Morley (Jay) of Warren, Pa., Gerry Swanson (Brian) of Bear Lake, Pa., Saundra Hamilton (James) of Sugar Grove, Pa., several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Sister - Joyce Allen, 2 Brothers - Eric and Jimmy Collingwood, Jr., A funeral service will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted by members of the John Gertsch Memorial Vietnam Post. -

Kacprowicz, Blance J.

Blanche J. Kacprowicz Kosin, 90, formerly of Greene Township, died Wednesday morning November 12, 2008 at St. Vincent Health Center following a brief illness. Arrangements will be announced by the Russell C. Schmidt & Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road. Send a Sympathy Note

McLaughlin, Diania L.

Diania L. McLaughlin, age 57, of 30003 Lee Road, Waterford, died Wednesday, November 12, 2008 after a long illness. A complete obituary will be printed in Sunday's newspaper. Arrangements are under the direction of the Van Matre Funeral Home of Waterford.

Miller, George

George Miller, age 90, of Millcreek died Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at Fairview Manor. He was born in Erie September 4, 1918; he was the son of the late William A. and Millie Bauman Miller. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Rodney Leo Miller, who died at birth. He had worked for 40 years with Erie Forge and Steel (National Forge), retiring in 1981. He was a 32 degree Mason, member of Commonwealth Lodge No. 695 F. &A.M., and the Scottish Rite Valley of Erie. He was also a member of the Greengarden Senior Bowling League. George played sports his entire life, was a left handed baseball and softball first baseman with the Erie Glenwood League and would amaze people by not using a glove when playing softball. He loved music especially big band and jazz. In addition to his parents and his infant son he was preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters; a son-in-law, Robert Cottrell; and a granddaughter, Julia Cottrell. Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Marie E. O'Connor Miller; a son, George R. Miller and his wife Carol, Indian River, Mich.; three daughters: Dianne Hite and her husband Paul, Altoona, Pa.; Marcia Cottrell, Erie and Patti Allen and her husband David, Virginia Beach, Va.; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street at Powell Avenue on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. Andrew P. Spore officiating Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The Miller family would like to express their kind appreciation to the staff of Fairview Manor for the wonderful care provided for their husband and father. They would also ask that memorials be made to the Fairview Manor Nursing Homes 900 Manchester Road Fairview, PA 16415. .

Pianta, Irene T. Scheiwer

Irene Scheiwer Pianta, 93, of Erie, formerly of 906 East 27th Street, died Thursday morning, November 13, 2008, at her residence following a brief illness. She was born in Erie, October 5, 1915, daughter of the late Peter and Agnes Stoll Scheiwer. She lived in Erie all of her life. She was employed as a sales associate at Carlisle's Department Store for 20 years before retiring in 1985. She attended Villa Maria High School and she was a Holy Rosary parishioner active in many Church activities. Survivors include two sons, Thomas Pianta and his wife Pat and Jack Pianta, all of Erie; one daughter, Nancy "Jennifer" Pianta-Orbanick and her husband Stan of Erie; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Pianta of Erie; two grandchildren, David Pianta and his wife Lisa and Jeffrey Pianta and two great grandchildren, Alexa and William Pianta. In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by Louis B. Pianta, her husband of 45 years on December 22, 1980, four sisters, Eleanor Moser, Gertrude Kraus, Marie Volk and Adelaide Dudley and two brothers, Edward and Peter A. Scheiwer. Friends may call Friday 4 to 8 p.m. at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road (corner of Pine Ave. and East Gore Road, I-90 Exit 29). A prayer service will be held there Saturday at 11:30 p.m., followed at noon by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2701 East Ave., officiated by Rev. James G. Gutting. Burial will be in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Erie, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507. Send a Sympathy Note

Rocki, Florence M.

Florence M. Rocki, age 83 of Erie, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 13, 2008, at Presque Isle Rehab Center. She was born April 3, 1925 in Erie, a daughter of the late John and Sophie Stanzack Astemborski. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Rocki, a grandson Christopher Rocki, two brothers, John and Frank Astemborski and a sister, Harriett Capwill. Survivors include two sons, Lawrence Rocki of Erie and Robert Rocki and his wife Elizabeth of Erie; grandchildren, Kimberly and Benjamin Rocki and Beth Geer and her husband Matthew and a Great-Grand Daughter, Alexis Geer all of Erie; one sister Caroline Loupe and her husband Tony of Ft. Pierce, Fla. and one brother Edward Aster of Evansville, Ind. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Friends may call at the A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home, LLP, 845 East 38 St., Friday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services there at 6:30 p.m., with Rev. Blaire Smith, Asera Care Hospice Chaplain officiating. Committal Services Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of ones choice.

Rogala, Florence J. Wawrzyniak

Florence J. Wawrzyniak Rogala, 82 of Erie died Tuesday November 11, 2008 at St. Vincent Health Center. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio October 17, 1926 daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine Wojtasek Wawrzyniak. Florence was a member of Holy Rosary Church, Polish Falcons Nest 123, Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, and the Society of Holy Trinity Club, where she also was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, embroidery, and reading. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter Mary Jo Rogala, a sister Cecelia Lis and a brother Casimir Wawrzyniak. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Edward C. Rogala, daughter Regina Michaels and her husband David of Erie, sons, Charles Rogala and wife Geri of Casagrande, Ariz., Damian Rogala and wife Patricia of Erie, and Casimir Rogala and wife Lisa of Cleveland Ohio, sister Theresa Simonelli and husband Frank of Erie, brother Chester Wawrzyniak and wife Barbara of Erie, a sister in law Arlene Wawrzyniak, seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Carl A. Slomski & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2101 Ash on Friday 2p.m. to 4p.m. and 7p.m. to 9p.m. and Saturday at Holy Rosary Church from 9a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial there at 10a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Church, or to Holy Trinity Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Rohan, Thomas W.

Thomas W. Rohan, 64, of Wolf Road and formerly of Independence Court, passed away after a lengthy illness Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home. Born in Erie August 17, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles and Betty Betz Rohan. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and became a head welder at Litton Shipbuilding. He then worked at General Electric as a Welding Engineer for 25 years where he developed a robotic welding arm for G.E. He also taught welding at Erie County Vo-Tech. Thomas was a member of the American Welding Society, he enjoyed golfing and was an automotive enthusiast and a member of St. Jude The Apostle Church. Survivors include his wife, Christine Czarnecki Rohan; a daughter, Sheila Reitter, husband Thomas, of Powell, Ohio; three sons, Thomas P., Timothy J. and James R. Rohan, all of Erie; three grandchildren, T. Zachary Rohan, of Erie, Aidan and Alaina Reitter, both of Powell, Ohio. Three brothers, Gerald C. Rohan, wife Marilyn, of Erie, Richard J. Rohan, wife Beverly, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and John M. Rohan, of Erie; a sister, Audrey Zimmerley, husband Chris, of Erie; an aunt, Anna Sivillo, of Erie, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends are invited to call at the Brugger Home for Funerals, West 38th at Greengarden Blvd., Thursday 7 to 9 p.m., and Friday, 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services there Saturday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude the Apostle Church at 10 a.m. Burial at Gate Of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials to Our Lady's Christian School 606 Lowell Ave. Erie 16505, Cathedral Prep School 225 West 9th St. Erie 16501, or Hamot Second Century Parkinson's Fund, 302 French St., Erie, PA 16501. -

Salchli, Margaret Innocenzi

Margaret Innocenzi Salchli, 85, resident of Abington Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center died there on November 12, 2008. Arrangements are being handled by the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry St., and will be announced on Saturday. . Send a Sympathy Note

Shenker, Dolores Clare McAndrew

Dolores Clare McAndrew Shenker, age 85, passed away Monday, November 10, 2008 at the Hamot Medical Center. She resided in Harborcreek Township. She was born in Punxsutawney, Pa., December 1, 1922, daughter of the late Daniel W. and Emma Clare Walton McAndrew. She is survived by a sister-in-law Alice Smith McAndrew of Erie and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband William Shenker, two sisters Mary Catherine Lehmann and Ann S. Murphy and two brothers John D. and Joseph P. McAndrew. She retired from the Hammermill Paper Company in 1987 after 43 years service. She was a longtime member of St. Mark the Evangelist R.C. Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was President of the St. Mark Altar Rosary Society for 14 years and served as a member of the Parish Action League. Dolores was a member of East Erie Turners. She also volunteered at numerous Service organizations. She graduated from St. Cosmos and Damian High School in Punxsutawney and attended Erie Business College. Dolores enjoyed ceramics and baking. Friends may call at the G.R. Bailey Funeral Home, 4396 Iroquois Avenue, Lawrence Park, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where a prayer service will be conducted Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mark the Evangelist Church at 10 a.m. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Mark the Evangelist Church Endowment Fund, 695 Smithson Ave., Erie, PA 16511.

Williams, James A.

James A. Williams, age 67, died Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Pleasant Ridge Manor East. Residence formerly of Harborcreek. He was born in Meadville, Pa. on January 10, 1941, son of the late Arnold J. and Grace Hanzi Williams. James was a graduate of Harbor Creek High School, Class of 1959. He was employed with Coyne Laundry and previously employed with Firch's Bakery. He was president of resident council at Pleasant Ridge Manor East. He was a wonderful advocate for all residents, kind to others, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed playing the piano and guitar, bowling, bingo, the lottery and collecting trains. James was a member of the Brookside Volunteer Fire Dept. He is survived by two daughters, Cindi Dahlkemper and her husband Campy and Patricia Williams, all of Harborcreek; two sons, Robert Williams and his wife Jodi and John Williams and his wife Melanie, all of Erie; a granddaughter, Emily Williams; one sister, Barbara Van Dessel and her husband Gerald of Harborcreek; and one niece, Pam Palmer and her husband Gregory of Lawrence Park. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road on Friday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a Funeral Service there on Saturday at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. G.H. Trumbo of Wesley United Methodist Church. Interment, Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2115 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16505. Send a Sympathy Note

Wise, Mary Marguerite Sherwood

Mary Marguerite "Peggy" Sherwood Wise, career educator, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Magee-Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. after a brief battle with cancer. Peggy graduated from Youngsville High School in 1959. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Slippery Rock University in 1963 and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Edinboro University in 1968. Predominantly, Peggy taught elementary and middle school language arts. She retired from teaching in the General McLane School District in June of 2006 after having taught a total of 38 years. Peggy enjoyed life, teaching, her grandchildren, gardening, the Erie Playhouse, and most recently, ballroom dancing. She was a faithful member of the Federated Church in East Springfield, Pa. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority at Slippery Rock University. Her other memberships included Delta Kappa Gamma (women's national education sorority) and Daughters of the Eastern Star, the Youngsville, Pa. chapter. Peggy was dedicated to the success of General McLane School District and faithfully attended the school board meetings there for over 25 years. Peggy is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Timothy D. Wise, Ph.D., whom she married on September 3, 1965. Additionally, she is survived by her two children. Her son is Thomas Wise (Becky), and their children are Quillan, Brody, and Darrah of Waterford, Pa. Her daughter is Mary Anne Cousins (Klint), and their children are Mary Claire and Kyle of Edinboro. As a descendent of the local region, Peggy is survived by many loving relatives as well as her older brother, Dick (Karen) Sherwood of Greenville, Pa. and her younger sister Sue (Gib) Scott of Bear Lake, Pa. and their loving families. Peggy was preceded in death by both her parents, Hugh and Mary Sherwood, of Youngsville, Pa. Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Sunday afternoon and evening, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will take place there on Monday at 11:00am officiated by Rev. Dr. Ed Huntley of the Federated Church and Rev. Brian Kelly of McLane Church, Edinboro, Pa. Interment will follow at Edinboro Cemetery.

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