daily obituaries Erie PA

February 14 2009

Yesterday's Obituaries...

Abplanalp, Dr. William

Dr. William Edward Abplanalp, died Monday, February 9, 2009 in Sebring, Fla. after a two year battle with multiple myeloma. Bill was born in Ridgway, Pa., May 6, 1936 to Edward L. and Esther Abplanalp. He was a graduate of Ridgway Area High School, class of 1954. He received his B.S. Degree in math education from Clarion State University, M.Ed from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D from the University of Pittsburgh. Bill taught mathematics at Ridgway Area High School (1959 - 1966) and became member of Mathematics Computer Science Department of Edinboro State University retiring in 1989. He studied income tax and was a tax preparer since 1959. Helping others was very important to Bill as demonstrated in his service through his church, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kiwanis, Masonic Organizations, Northwestern, S.D. School Board, serving as president, Boy Scout leader, treasurer of Erie Branch of Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial) helping those in need, and in volunteering over 1,500 hours in Florida State Parks. He was president of retired faculty, APSCURF, since his retirement. Bill had a good sense of humor, loved teaching, people, life and travel. He and his wife toured all continents and enjoyed camping in the U.S., Australia and Africa. He enjoyed his Model T's and Corvair's and looked forward to driving in rallies in the U.S. And Australia. Morning coffee at McDonald's was very important to him as were his WIT (Winnebago camping) friends. He leaves behind to cherish the many fond memories of his life with his wife of 48 years, Eleanor "Ele", a son, Edward R. Abplanalp, of Omaha, Neb. (Natalia Gerzanych); a daughter, Amy (William) Harvey of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; a granddaughter, Alleena Rea Harvey, an aunt, Kathryn Paes, of Ridgway, and many cousins. Bill was preceded in death by one son, Scott Abplanalp, in 1997. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church 25812 Mt. Pleasant Road, Drakes Mills, PA 16403, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Western Pennsylvania, River Walk Corporate Center, 333 E. Carson Street, Suite 441, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Glunt Funeral Home, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 25812 Mt. Pleasant Road, Drakes Mills, Pa. Burial will take place at Edinboro Cemetery. Send a Sympathy Note

Bernat, Rose D.

Rose D. Bernat, age 82, died Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Hamot Medical Center. Residence Summit Twp., formerly of Harborcreek Twp. She was born in Gowanda, N.Y. on March 23, 1926, daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Zollar Stavana. Rose grew up in Kane, Pa. and was a Kane High School graduate, Class of 1943. She moved to Erie in 1944 and had lived in the area since. She was a member of St. James R.C. Church, was a Eucharistic Minister and assisted with the St. James bereavement dinners. She was employed as a hostess at a local restaurant for 30 years. She was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club Auxiliary, enjoyed crocheting, and loved sports especially the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers. Survived by her husband of 63 years, Edward Bernat; two daughters, Mary Kathleen Wassink, and her husband Gary of Summit Twp. and Edith Bunting and her husband James of Millcreek Twp.; two sons, Stephen Bernat and his wife Linda of Erie and Anthony Bernat and his wife Rebecca of Millcreek Twp.; two sisters, Marian Fetterhoff of Chambersburg, Pa. and Caroline Cottone of Olean, N.Y.; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by two sisters, Alice and Edith and two grandsons, Brian Reed and Robert Bernat. No calling hours will be observed. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Mass to be held at St. James R.C. Church on Saturday at 11 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. James Scholarship Fund, 2635 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510. Send a Sympathy Note

Carr, William F. "Bill"

William F. "Bill" Carr, 84, of Erie, died Fri., Feb. 13, 2009 at St. Vincent Health Center. He was born May 23, 1924 in Erie, son of the late Earl Thomas Carr and the late Clara Ballman Carr Bowen. A lifelong resident of Erie, he attended Strong Vincent High School and was a driver for Rapid Transit for 35 years retiring in 1977. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church where he sang with the choir for many years; was a member of the Moniuszko Glee Club and Singing Society and the Siebenbuerger Club; was a former member of the Sons of Lake Erie; and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by a son, Raymond Carr, Sr.; son-in-law, James Sherrange; brothers, Robert, Earl and John "Jack" Carr; sister, Alice Noonan; and stepbrother, William Bowen. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gilda P. Amatangelo Carr; daughter, Annette Sherrange of Erie; three sisters, Ellen McKelvey and Elsa Carr both of Erie and Margaret Butts of North East; six brothers, Richard Carr and wife Kathleen of Fairview, Edward Carr and wife Dolores of Lake City, Frederick Carr, Lester Carr and wife Margaret and Thomas Carr, all of Erie and Donald Carr and wife Kim of Gainesville, Ga.; stepsister, Nancy Kueczynski of Erie; six grandchildren, Jason Sherrange and wife Jennifer, Michela Mathur and husband Vishal and Matthew Sherrange, all of Connecticut, and Zachary, Rene' and Raymond Carr, all of North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. Friends may call Sunday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St. A service will be held there Monday at 9 a.m. followed at 9:30 by a Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 W. 26th St., celebrated by Msgr. Richard J. Stack. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Chaffee, Richard

Richard Chaffee, 83, of Wattsburg, Pa. passed away at his residence after a short illness, on Thursday, February 12, 2009. He was born March 18, 1925 in Union City, Pa., the son of the late Alton and Matie M. (Thiem) Chaffee. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army, and had retired from Corry Jamestown Corp in 1986 after 27 years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, was a dedicated hunter, the cutting and selling of firewood, and making maple syrup with his good friend, Lee Morton. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Matie Chaffee; his wife, Marie Chaffee, a stepson, Ivan Lawrence, and his wife, Hazel; a great-grandson, Joshua Baumgardner; and a grandson, Larry Lawrence. He is survived by a stepdaughter, Charlene Yost, of Wattsburg, Pa.; stepsons, Ronald Lawrence, and his wife, Murriel, of Mercer, Pa., and Raymond Lawrence and his wife, Dorothy, ten grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and a very dear and special lady, Daisey Hazelett; and special friend and caregiver, Bonnie Allen; and dear friend and helper, Jack Ellsworth. Friends are invited to call at the Glenn Funeral Home, 62 S. Main St., Union City, Pa. on Sunday, February 15, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and may attend funeral services there on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. Rev. Brad Yost, grandson of Mr. Chaffee will officiate with interment in Lawn Cemetery, Beaverdam, Pa. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society, 2115 W. 38th St., Erie, PA 16508-1925. . Send a Sympathy Note

Erikson, Anna A. Herbstzuber

Anna A. Erikson, age 87, of Millcreek Twp. and Delray Beach, Fla. was called home to Jesus on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at her residence surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. She was born in Manhattan, N.Y. on February 16, 1921, the daughter of the late Friedrich and Sophie Stubbemann Herbstzuber. She moved to Erie in 1942 to be a homemaker and also to run her own business, "Suppliers Credit Service" and she also worked for the Millcreek School District in various positions. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She really enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. She also enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting, painting, and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harold, in 2004 and also her brothers, Al and Fred, and sisters, Ethel and Eleanor. She was the beloved mother of Charles Erikson (Diana) of Silverspring, Md., Linda Young (Frank) of Erie, Joanne Erikson, and John Erikson, both of Erie. She was the beloved Nana of Erik Young (Marie) of Covina, Calif., Lora Goodwin (Eric) of Greece, N.Y., and Kristian Young (Sarah) of Erie. She was also the Grandnana of nine great-grandchildren and a much loved aunt of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to the celebration of her life at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 3108 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday conducted by the Rev. Jan Marvar and the Rev. David McIlvried. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Send a Sympathy Note

Freeburg, Dorothy A. Dahlstrand

Dorothy A. Dahlstrand Freeburg, age 93, died Friday February 13, 2009 at Hamot Medical Center. Arrangements will be announced by the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W 26th Street. .

Halder, Catherine

Catherine Cooney Halder, age 98, of Erie, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at her residence. She was born in Erie on January 31,1911 a daughter of the late John R. and Kathryn Considine Cooney. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Halder who died in 2002, a sister, Agnes Smith and two brothers, Robert and Jack Cooney. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Kathleen Nies and her husband Gerald of Prosperity, Pa. Eight grandchildren, Capt. Gerald Nies, Mary Nies, Lisa Serrao, Kate Nies, Susan Zoeller, Amy Nies, Ellen Blume and Bill Nies. Twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Friends may call at the Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc. 2502 Sassafras St. Erie, PA. 16502, on Sunday from 5-7 PM and are invited to attend a prayer service there on Monday at 9:45 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at St. George Church at 10:30 AM. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Hammar, Mary M. "Hammie"

Mary M. "Hammie" Hammar, 61, of Venice formerly of Erie, Pa. died February 12, 2009. Survivors include daughter, Kimberly Hammar and granddaugher, Katie of Myrtle Beach, S.C., son David Hammar and fiancee Stephanie and grandson, Benjamin; granddaughters, Sadie and Hanna of Youngstown, Ohio; nieces, Jackie Tupek and Sharon Young; nephews, Jeffrey and Bryan Williamson; as well as many cousins; and great nieces Danielle, Sydney, Corynne and nephew Cameron. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sally and Jack Williamson; her brother, Richard Williamson, and her nephew, Ricky Williamson. She touched the lives of all who knew her including her very close friends and members of the Plantation Golf and Country Club where she was employed for over 25 years. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Mary Hammar Memorial Fund c/o Sun Trust Bank, 200 Nokomis Avenue, Venice, FL 34285.

Joint, Geraldine R.

Geraldine R. Joint, age 86, of Erie, died Friday. Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 W. 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd. is undertaking private arrangements. Memorials to Emmaus Ministries or St. Ann Church. .

Leuschen, Lois V. Love

Lois V. Love Leuschen, age 84, of Manchester Presbyterian Lodge, died Thursday, February 12, 2009 at her residence. She was born in Erie on June 25, 1924 daughter of the late Harry M. and Elizabeth Evans Love. She was an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church and a member of the Auxiliary, she was a member of the Chosen Mission Project and Manchester Presbyterian Lodge Auxiliaries, and Pioneer Garden Club and delivered Meals on Wheel. She was a librarian for Millcreek School District for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Leuschen; two sisters, Charlotte McIntosh and Doris Hammer. She is survived by three daughters, Diane Muffie and her husband James of Erie, Donna Wright and her husband Mark of Hamburg, N.Y., Denise Varo and her husband Sam Jr. of Waterford; three sons, Douglas Leuschen of Strattanville, Pa., Dale Leuschen and his wife Teri of Erie, Duane Leuschen and Tammy of Fairview; two brothers, Richard C. and Harry M. Love both of Erie; and 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3642 West 26th Street on Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend John Erthein and Reverend James McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Chosen Mission Project, 3638 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506, Erie City Mission, 1023 French Street, Erie, PA 16501, or Youth for Christ, 519 West 10th Street, Erie PA 16502. .

Mascaro, Gladine A.

Gladine A. Mascaro, age 69, of 5397 Turkey Track Rd. Conneautville, Pa. (formerly of Warren & Forest Co.) passed away Feb. 12, 2009 at her residence. She was born in Rimersburg, Pa. Oct. 21, 1939, a daughter of the late Clark H. Redick and Anna Maude Dunmyre Redick. She previously worked as personal home caregiver in Forest County. She was a member of the Assembly of God and was affiliated with Conneautville Church of Christ. Survivors include children Karen Snow & husband William III of Girard, Pa.; Robert J. Mascaro & wife Kyong of Rockford, Ill.; Pamela Clark & husband Randall of Conneautville; Michael L. Mascaro & wife Melissa of Midland, Pa.; Crystal Mascaro of Clearwater Fla.; eight grandchildren & two great-grandchildren. Brothers George Ramzey, Harold Redick, Gary Redick, Max Redick; sister Linda Chase, and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded by parents, grandson Philip, brothers Thomas "Gene" Redick and Kenneth Redick; sisters Fern Craig, Judith, Delores, & Cheryl Redick. Friends may call Sat. Feb. 14, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the White-Cool Funeral Home, 1405 Main St. Conneautville and attend services there at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rich Jones of the Conneautville Church of Christ. Interment will be in Warren County Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Fellows Club Vol. Fire Dept. PO Box Conneautville, PA 16406 or SouthernCare, 16039 Conneaut Lake Rd. Meadville, PA 16406. White-Cool Funeral Home, 1405 Main St., Conneautville, Pa. are in care of arrangements.

Morrow Sr., Robert H.

Robert H. Morrow, Sr. was called home to be with his Lord on February 13, 2009. He was born August 7, 1922, in Concord Twp., Butler County, Pa., the son of Violet Loraine Black and Herbert Matthew Morrow. Devoted husband of 61 years to Patricia Sieberkrob Morrow with whom he made his life in Harborcreek Twp., on Irene Drive. Loving father of Susan P. Resinger and her husband, Larry, of Harborcreek Twp., and Robert H. Morrow, Jr. and his wife, Lynne, of Fort Myers, Fla. He is further survived by his four adoring grandchildren, Jennifer Resinger and Heather Morrow McClung and her husband, Shaun, all of Riverview, Fla., Andrew Resinger and his wife, Lea, of Harborcreek Twp., and Joshua Morrow, of Pittsburgh; and two precious great- granddaughters, Ryann McClung and Kendall Resinger. He is also survived by two sisters, Donna Hutchison and Rachel Linamen; three brothers, Joseph, Darrell, and Quay Morrow, all of Butler County. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Lee Morrow. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. He came to Erie in 1941. He served his country as a Staff Sergeant in World War II in the Army Air Corps in France. He was employed for 43 years at the Erie General Electric Company, in the Locomotive Division where he retired in 1985. He was an avid sportsman and hunter. H was well known as a kind, caring "gentle man" and a gentleman, a good friend and neighbor. Hard work, his faith, his family and friends were the things that mattered most to him throughout his 86 years. He was certainly welcomed home with the words "well done my good and faithful servant". Friends may call at the G.R. Bailey Funeral Home, in Lawrence Park, on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and may join the family in a celebration of his life at the Harborcreek Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Monday. Burial will be at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Harborcreek Presbyterian Church, 6724 Buffalo Rd. Harborcreek, PA 16421

Ormsbee, Eugene Willie

Eugene Willie Ormsbee, 78, of Phillips Road, Wattsburg, Pa passed away at his residence,on Thursday, February 12, 2009. He was born in Waterford, Pa. on June 13, 1930 the son of the late Warden and Frances (Richardson) Ormsbee. He was a member ofthe American Legion, Post #285 of Waterford, Pa., and had served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He worked construction as a heavy equipment operator for Waterford and Amity Townships and had retired from Better Baked Foods. He was owner and operator of the Hillside Tavern of Wattsburg. Eugene loved to hunt, fish and go dancing. He was preceded in death by his parents; Warden and Frances Ormsbee, his wife Jane Anne (Bishop) Ormsbee, two sisters; Doris Burke and Louise Veates and a brother Victor Ormsbee. Survivors include two daughters; Karen J. Ormsbee of Erie, Pa., and Laurel J. Ormsbee of Wattsburg, Pa., two sons; David E. and Daniel L. Ormsbee both of Union City, Pa.. two brothers; Richard Ormsbee of Florida and Kenneth Ormsbee of Waterford, Pa., three grandchildren; Timothy, Lazaro and Mariah. Friends are invited to call at the Glenn Funeral Home, 62 South Main Street on Saturday, February 14,2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. No Funeral Services will be held And interment will be in Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery, Greenfield Township. Send a Sympathy Note

Swencki, Caroline E. Hilliard

Caroline E. Hilliard Swencki, 85, of Erie, went peacefully to Our Lord, Wednesday evening, February 11, 2009, surrounded by her family in the same home where she was born, Oct. 5, 1923. She was the daughter of the late William Hilliard and Catherine Connaroe Hilliard MacKrell. Caroline attended Jones and East High Schools. She worked at Erie Resister and Lord Corporation. In 1980, she retired after 22 years as a waitress at Serafini's Restaurant. Carol took pleasure from the simple things in life, a good book to read, visits and phone calls from friends and family, but most of all, the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Maurice Guy Williams; her second husband, Vincent A. Swencki; a sister, Theresa Ann Beganics; step-daughter, Dolores Shumilak; step-son, Vincent Swencki, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, John Swencki. Survivors include one son, Michael Guy Williams, wife, Jill, of Erie; one daughter, Cynthia A. Pelkowski, husband, Robert, of Erie; three grandchildren, Michael Williams, wife, Shelly, Brandy Deau, husband, Michael, and Jason Williams,, wife, Elizabeth; ten great-grandchildren, Austin and Andrew Williams, Chase and Joshua Deau, Isabella, Skye, Justin, Mason, Jazmine and Anastasia Williams; one brother Leo MacKrell, wife, Berley, of Erie; one sister, Elinora Klomp of Lakewood, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home, LLP, 845 East 38 Street, Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and may attend services there on Saturday at 9:20 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family in care of the Funeral Home. .

Wallerstein, Laura W.

Laura W. Wallerstein, 94, 200 Laurel Lake Rd., Hudson, Ohio, and formerly of Erie, passed away February 9, 2009 in Akron, Ohio. Arrangements are under the care of the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 W. 10th Street. . .

Webb, Helen S.

Helen S. Webb, 79, of 10443 Stateline Rd., Wattsburg, Pa. formerly of Lakewood passed away at 6:32 a.m. Thursday (February 12, 2009) in her daughters home. A lifelong area resident she was born March 6, 1929 in Jamestown, the daughter of the late Ralph and Carrie Fredd Smock. She attended Falconer Schools and had been employed by Colonial Gardens, Cellar Bar in Lakewood, Beehive Bar, Lake View Hotel and prior to retirement was employed by M.R.C. Cafeteria. Helen moved to Wattsburg to live with her daughter Gracie due to ill health. She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed being with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved being outdoors and gardening. Helen will be sadly missed by family, grandchildren and her dearest friends. Surviving are her husband William R. Webb of 62 years, a son Ralph Webb of Sioux City, Iowa, three daughters; Carrie (Joe) Bova of Olean, N.Y., Grace Nuse (Ed Combs) of Wattsburg, Pa., Shirley Eckert (Richard Robinson) of Wattsburg, Pa., eight grandchildren; Jennifer Flores of California, Peter Webb, Justin Webb both of Iowa, James Bova of Chicago, Ill., Joshua Bova of Olean, N.Y., Darin Nuse of Wattsburg, Pa., Ashley Nuse of Meadville, Pa., Cheyenne Webb of Lakewood, two step grandchildren; Diane Nuse, Mallissa Nuse both of Ashville, N.Y., six great grandchildren; Gianna Flores, Elisa Flores, Jayden Wanzer, Jaclynn Wanzer, Destiny LaMar, Samantha LaMar, two step great grandchildren; Ariana Nuse, Dajia Nuse, a brother Steven Showers of St. Petersburg, Fla. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by two sons; William R. Webb, Jr. in 1949 and George Webb in 1978. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be donated to Wattsburg Hose Company, 14337 Main St., P.O. Box 186, Wattsburg, PA 16442, or to Erie County Visiting Nurses Association, 1305 Peach St., Erie, PA 16501.

Welsh Sr., James R.

James R. Welsh, Sr., 63, of Poplar St., died Thursday, February 12, 2009, in Buffalo, N.Y. after a brief illness. Arrangements are being handled by the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, and will be announced on Sunday. Send a Sympathy Note

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