daily obituaries Erie PA

May 13 2008

Yesterday's Obituaries...

Doutt, Karen N.

Karen N. Doutt will be held at 11 am Saturday, May 17, 2008 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 950 West 7 Street, Erie. Karen died suddenly January 19, 2008 in Ocala Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert A. and Mildred Kelly Henry and her brother Albert Henry. She is survived by her husband Robert L. Doutt; her son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Dona Doutt; and her grandson, Jared Doutt. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Dunlap Jr., Sherman A. "Jeff"

Sherman A. (Jeff) Dunlap, Jr., 80 of 12927 Brooks Rd., Meadville, died Sunday May 11, 2008 at the Golden Living Center in Cambridge Springs. Born March 7, 1928 in Oil City he was the son of Sherman A. and Marian Wilhelm Dunlap Sr. He married Esther Snyder on January 17, 1948. He worked in the layout department of Joy Manufacturing in Franklin for 23 years, retiring in 1969. He and his family also operated a dairy farm in the Mt. Hope area for many years. He attended the Allida Smith Wesleyan Methodist Church and enjoyed reading. In addition to his wife of 60 years he is survived by six children, James Dunlap and his wife Darla of Liverpool, Nancy Brown and her husband Nathaniel of Arlington Va., Sam Dunlap of Erie, Wilma Proper and her husband Gene of Guys Mills, Nina Gillette and her husband Thomas of Linesville and Esther Allen and her husband Bill of Titusville. Two brothers Floyd Dunlap and his wife Barb of Franklin , Edward Dunlap and his wife Nancy of Utica, five sisters, Leora Thompson of California, Pat Hartzel and her husband Bob of Knox, Alberta Peterson and Joyce Dunlap of Franklin and Ethel Rice and her husband Wayne of Cooperstown. 13 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a son Michael Dunlap, a granddaugther Amy Lynn Slagle, four sisters, Margaret Bean, Mary Pyle, Dolly Dunlap and Mabel Alice Dunlap, four brothers Martin, Lawrence, James Edward and Robert Dunlap. Friends may call at the Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc., 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be 11:00a.m., Thursday, from the funeral home with the Rev. James Blackwelder, retired, officiating. Interment will be in Denny's Cemetery with Meadville Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 2006 providing military honors. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine St. Meadville, PA 16335.

Grzegorzewski, Leon Walter

Leon Walter Grzegorzewski, age 76, passed away Saturday morning May 10, 2008 at the Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, Pa. after an extended illness. Formerly a resident of Erie, he lived in Warrington, Pa. He was born in Erie November 9, 1031 son of the late Edmund and Nellie Szklenski Grzegorzewski. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Lois Dalton Grzegorzewski and a brother Edmund Grzegorzewski, Jr. He is survived by his wife Susan Gifford Grzegorzewski of Warrington, Pa.; three sons, Daniel Peyton of Erie, Dennis Peyton and his wife Diane of Plant City, Fla., Leo Grzegorzewski and his wife Cathy of Erie; two daughters Dianne Rodrigues and her husband David of Erie, and Lou Ann Grzegorzewski and her significant other Jack Gehrlein of Erie. He is also survived by a brother Anthony Grzegorzewski of Strongsville Ohio; a sister Ann Grzegorzewski (Gregory) of Erie; three stepchildren, Jane Drebes and her husband Greg, Tom Gifford and his wife Raun, John Gifford and his wife Lisa; 12 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchild; one step-grandson along with several nieces and nephews. Leon served 4 active duty years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He retired from the American Meter Company as a Manager of Production after 41 years of service. He was a member of the VFW and the Moose Club in Florida and the B.P.O. Elks Lodge 67 of Erie. Leon was very active and loved life. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, traveling and farming. He loved spending time at his camp and Florida home but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Friends may call at the Mark G. Razanauskas Funeral Home 701 East Ave. Erie, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where a prayer service will be conducted Thursday morning at 10:30 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann Church at 11 a.m. Interment at St. Gregory Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Fund 915 State St. Erie, PA 16501.

Kitcey, Lucile G.

Lucile G. Kitcey, 86, formerly of Albion, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Rolling Fields Nursing Home, Conneautville, Pa. Complete funeral arrangements will be announced on Wednesday by the Steff-Mattera Funeral Home, 188 East State Street, Albion. Send a Sympathy Note

Kovschak, Albert W. "Bert"

Albert W. "Bert" Kovschak, age 84, of 3355 Rice Road, Edinboro, died Monday, May 12, 2008 at Saint Vincent Health Center. Funeral services will be announced by the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Edinboro.

Marther, David R.

David R. Marthers, age 55, of Erie, died Monday, May 12, 2008 at Abington Crest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. The full obituary will appear in Friday's paper. The Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the arrangements. -

Sheehan, Russell "Heavy Duty"

Russell "Heavy Duty" Sheehan, age 58 of North East, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008 with his children at his side at the home of close friends, John and Tina Rickrode. He was born December 16, 1949 in Riverside, N.J. to the late Russell and Ann Kolwitz Sheehan. He had resided in North East since 1980. Russell attended Holy Cross High School and went on to graduate from Gannon University. He continued to be an avid Gannon Golden Knight basketball fan. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He was also a member of the Cascade Park Club. Russell retired in December of 2006 from Schwebel Baking after 24 years of service. He had previously been employed by the Erie Beer Co. and Antlers Bar. Survivors include three sons: Robert O. Perry, Cory R. Sheehan and his fiance Kristin Soder and Jordan W. Sheehan all of North East; one daughter, Sarah A. Sheehan and his "Philadelphia Transplant", Victoria "Juicy" Satchell, both of North East; one grandson, Kaden R., Sheehan. Also survived by one aunt, several cousins and multitudes of friends. Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake St., North East, on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 81 East Main St., North East. The Rev. Marvin Hutchinson, Pastor, will officiate. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.

Strike, William S.

William S. Strike, 89, formerly of East 6th Street, died peacefully Saturday evening, May 10th, 2008 at St. Mary's Home of Erie, in the company of his family. Born in Erie February 1st, 1919 he was the son of the late Michael and Margaret Servilla Strike. William was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre. He was a machine operator at General Electric for 35 years, retiring in 1981, was a former member of Holy Family Church, a member of the National Slovak Club, and had been active in Federation Clubs in Erie. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Agnes Pawlowski Strike; two sisters, Anna and Margaret Strike; and a brother, Michael Strike. Surviving are his wife, Sarah C. Bokol Strike; three sons, William T., wife Beverly, of Girard, Roland R., wife Deborah, of Little Hope, Pa., and Ronald F., wife Laura, of Irving, Texas; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Calling at A. Brugger and Sons Funeral Home, LLP, 845 East 38th Street at Pine Avenue, Tuesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Further visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Home of Erie Chapel (Reed Street entrance), 607 East 26th Street. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary's Home of Erie. -.

Touris, Myrna J. Latshaw Swantek

Myrna J. Latshaw Swantek Touris, age 78, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home, surrounded by her family on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2008. She was born July 29, 1929 in Pittsburgh, the daughter of the late Wesley Quay Latshaw and Grace Bolton Latshaw Frendzel. Myrna was married for 29 years to Leo J. Swantek who died January 24, 1975. She and Leo had nine children, Dr. Leo J. Swantek and wife Linda, Jean Wallen and husband Len, Cindy (Karen) Race and husband Denny, Chuck Swantek and wife Carol, Rick Swantek and wife Margaret, Brian Swantek and wife Liz all of Erie, Robert Paul Swantek and wife Liz of Las Vegas, Nev., Carl Swantek and wife Michelle of Boise, Idaho and the late Vincent Swantek. After Leo's death she married John Touris who died April 29, 1997. They were married for 22 years. She had three stepchildren, Mary Vitron and husband Bill, Patty Luciano and husband Jim and John Touris. She is further survived by two brothers, Chuck and Carl Latshaw. She had 26 grandchildren, Micki Lyle, Chuck Swantek, Scott Wallen, Pamela Wallen Bansidhar, Shawn Swantek, Jeremy Race, Karlee Swantek Dunn, Michelle Magee, Aimee Voto, Bill Vitron, Kyle Swantek, Chris Swantek, Mindy Race, Nick Swantek, Kristie Shores, Kira Swantek, Kory Swantek, Kevin Swantek, Alex Swantek, Mike Vitron, Justin Touris, Courtney Swantek, Daniel Swantek, Eric Swantek, Kelsey Swantek and Natalie Swantek. She also had 21 great-grandchildren, Nolan and Logan Lyle, Alyssa, Abigail and Cameron Swantek, Jarod and Rebecca Wallen, Ashlee and Matthew Bansidhar, Alexandria and Andrew Swantek, Kaycie, Liam and Lauren Magee, Anthony and Aiden Voto, Nora Vitron, Alexis and Kayla Swantek and Reese and Aidan Swantek. Myrna loved and was very proud of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was loved very much and will be deeply missed. She was a member of TOPS for 20 years. She loved to play cards, especially pinochle and Skip Bo, she loved the game of Aggravation and puzzles. Friends may call at the Dusckas Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Tuesday, May 13th , from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in her name. Myrna was a member of the Grandview Park Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2239 West Grandview Blvd. There will be a Memorial Talk there on Saturday, May 17th at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be held at the family's convenience. Send a Sympathy Note

Williamson, Shirley J.

Shirley J. Williamson, age 75, of Harbor Creek, died Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Twinbrook Medical Center following a short illness. She was born in Denver, Colo. on August 10, 1932 daughter of the late Elmer and Mary Herring. She has resided in Erie for the past 47 years. Shirley was a member of South Harborcreek United Methodist Church and enjoyed knitting and collecting baby dolls. She was a Foster Mother for 28 years with the Erie County Office of Children and Youth and was fondly known as Grandma Shirley and Miss Shirley. Survivors include eight children William "Bud" Jr. (Becky) of Sequin, Texas, Mike (Maureen) of Cape May, N.J., Kenny (Karen) of Newport, N.C., Linda Hines (Bill) and Tommy (Tammy) all of Erie, Bryan, Gary (Harriett) and Robert all of Harbor Creek; four sisters, Dolly Olson of Union City, Edna Lincoln of Duluth, Minn., Alberta Snyder of Buffalo, N.Y. and Carolyn Andrzejewski of Ohio, three brothers, Ellis Herring of Erie, John Herring of N. Carolina and David Herring of New York, 28 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 46 foster children. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband William H. Williamson, Sr., a daughter, Debbie Ann, a son, Raymond, Sr. and a grandson, Raymond E. Williamson, Jr. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc. East, 2607 Buffalo Rd. on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Further visitation will be held on Thursday at South Harborcreek United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service there at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Donald Hornsby. Interment Erie County Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be designated to a charity of one's choice. Send a Sympathy Note

Witkowski, Walter

Walter Witkowski, 89, a resident of the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors home passed away there on Friday. Private services and burial in Calvary Cemetery were under the direction of A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home LLP, 845 East 38th. St.

Wright, Emily Louise Rilling

Emily Louise Rilling Wright, formerly of W. Sixth St. and Sunrise Assisted Living at Presque Isle, died at age 97 on Friday, March 14, 2008. She was born January 18, 1911, the daughter of Henrietta Isabel Cameron (born in Glencoe Ontario, Canada) and Emil Louis Rilling (born in Erie). She attended "Old" Central High School and the University of Pittsburgh in Erie. Mrs. Wright was a charter member of the Church of the Covenant, taught Sunday school, where she was very involved with the memory work of the children, led the January Circle, was a Deacon, and with her husband did the communion preparation for 30 years. Louise Wright was known for her volunteer work, commitments to the Junior League of Erie, YMCA Antiques Shows and Philanthropy Balls and other charities, the Womans Club, local Garden Clubs, including the Carrie T. Watson Garden Club and Bridge clubs, especially with the girls of Old Central High. She particularly enjoyed long weekends at the Wright Bros. Farms in Westfield, N.Y., where she was Chief Financial Officer and hosted many family dinners. Her favorite sport was baseball, and she followed Cleveland from the 1950's through the 1980's. She then switched her allegiance to Atlanta until the present. Her favorite football player was Doug Flutie. Louise also followed sports car racing going as far back as Sebring in 1958. She enjoyed horseback riding and skating on the Bay. She was Treasurer of Hollands Manufacturing Company and a Director of Reed Manufacturing Company. She was married to the late Richard Pier Wright of Erie and Westfield, NY in 1936. The two children are Elizabeth Rilling Wright Daum (and husband Dr. Paul Stephen Daum) of Henniker, N.H., and John Kelvedon Wright (and wife Linda Susanne Gillette) of Erie and New Smyrna Beach, Fla. The six grandchildren are Ari Pier Daum of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Rachel Ariadne Daum Humphrey (and husband Scott Randall Humphrey) of Atlanta, Ga., Emily Patterson Wright of Kennett Square, Pa., Jonina Amaris Daum Bolton (and husband Burt Gardiner Bolton) of Sunrise, Fla.; Susan Woodward Wright of Conover, N.C., and Thomas Cameron Wright of Steamboat Springs, Colo. The two great granddaughters are Samantha Rose Humphrey and Alexandra Charlotte Humphrey of Atlanta, Ga. Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her elder sister, Helen Elizabeth Rilling Andrews. Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., on Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A family gathering will be held later, and burial will be in Westfield Cemetery beside her husband. Memorials may be made, in her name, to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Capital Campaign, 250 W. 7th St., Erie, PA 16501.

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