daily obituaries Erie PA

March 9 2010

Yesterday's Obituaries...

William E. Graham
William E. Graham, 51, a resident of Waterford, died unexpectedly Friday evening, March 5, 2010, at his residence. He was born in Wattsburg, Pa., September 5, 1958, son of the late Hubert and Helen Thompson Graham. He lived in Florida for 11 years, returning to the Erie area in 1997. He was employed as a welder at the D & B Tank Service Co. for 16 years. He attended Academy High School. Survivors include his wife of 18 months, Robin Garner Graham, four daughters, Bethany Johnson, Kenda Allen and her husband Brian, Amanda Graham and Megan Graham all of Erie; three step children, John and Emily Graham, both of Erie and Jeremy Graham, at home; three brothers, John Graham of Springfield, Pa., Daniel Graham of Ohio and George Graham and his wife Theresa of Waterford; and four sisters, Rosie Brown, Laurie Rupert and Barbara Foy all of Erie and Carol Gallardo of Newell, Ala. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Savannah Rhoades, Hailey and Austin Allen and Peyton and Riley Graham and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Graham in 1977, a sister, Kathy Hart in March, 2010 and his grandfather, Merle Upperman in 1998. Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. with a funeral service at 8:00 p.m. at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, 5000 Wattsburg Road (corner of Pine Ave. and East Gore Road, I-90 Exit 29). Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the funeral home in honor of the deceased. Send a Sympathy Note

Edna Hollenbeck Merchant
Edna Hollenbeck Merchant, 100, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Lenoir Woods Healthcare Center in Columbia, Mo., following a short illness. A memorial service will be held at the Lenoir Woods Chapel on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Owensboro, Ky., her former home, at a time to be announced later. She was born on November 30, 1909, in Jamestown, N.Y., to Clifton D. and Minnie Strunk Hollenbeck. In 1933, she married Chester O. Merchant who preceded her in death (October 1982). Surviving are three sons, Clifton C. Merchant, of State College, Pa., Charles A Merchant, of Kennesaw, Ga., Frederic R. Merchant, of Portland, Ore., and a son-in-law Charles S. Shipman, of Columbia, Mo.; ten grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her oldest child, daughter Harriet Shipman, preceded her in death in August 2006, as did her brother F. Parker Hollenbeck in 2000. She devoted her life to her husband, her children, her grandchildren and always to teaching. Edna Merchant graduated from Jamestown High School in 1928 and Fredonia Normal School, now SUNY Fredonia, in 1931 with a degree in elementary education and received a BS in education from Edinboro State University in 1957. Her first teaching experiences were in one room schools in the Randolph, N.Y. Central School District. She taught in the public schools in Erie, Pa., Springfield, Mass. and Owensboro, Ky., and was one of the first Title I reading teachers in the state of Kentucky. After the death of her husband, she moved to Columbia, Mo., and volunteered at the New Haven Elementary School. She was a member of the Missouri United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women Susanna Circle, Retired Teachers Associations, and Kings Daughters. Edna volunteered at the food bank and the Lenoir Woods coffee shop. She enjoyed travel, reading, needle work and most of all her many friends. A celebration of her life was held on the occasion of the 100's birthday with 40 family members attending. Memorial tributes may be made to the Lenoir Woods Benevolent Care, 3710 S Lenoir Street, Columbia, MO 65201 or to a charity of your choice. Create a memorial web site

Helen B. Moon
Helen B. Moon, 85, of 865 Moon Road, Bear Lake, died Sunday morning, March 7, 2010 at Corry Manor. She was born Helen Bonavita Dec. 19, 1924, to the late Joseph and Philomena Fico Bonavita in Dembo, Pa. (near Uniontown). She was later confirmed Helen Dorothy Bonavita at St. Joseph's Church in Warren. She worked as a nurse's aide at Warren General Hospital, then worked in the mailing department of the former New Process Company (now Blair Corporation) during her youth. She married the late Johnston E. Moon, Sr. July 27, 1951, in Wrightsville and resided in Freehold Township (Bear Lake) at the couple's farm residence from 1951 to 2009. An avid football and baseball fan, she followed all of her sons' sporting activities, and later her grandchildren's. Mrs. Moon was a member of The Sons of Italy in Warren, and made devotions to St. Thomas Catholic Church in Corry. She is survived by four sons: Johnston Moon, Jr., Corry; Albert (Crystal) Moon, Lottsville; Ted (Carole) Moon, Waterford; Ken Moon, Ottumwa, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tucker, Chad (Brenda), Bart, Stephanie Moon; and a great-grandson Kamdyn Moon. Besides her parents and husband, she was proceeded in death by five brothers: Thomas (Tim) Bonavita, Frank ("Flat") Bonavita, Joseph ("Jiggs") Bonavita, Anthony (Tony) Bonavita, Albert ("Rico") Bonavita; one sister Mary Barto; and three siblings in infancy. The family will hold a private graveside ceremony. Those wishing to make memorials may do so to Corry Regional Hospice, 1086 Mead Avenue, Corry, Pennsylvania, 16407. The Hubert-Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 314 N. Main St., in Youngsville have been entrusted with the arrangements. Create a memorial web site

Shirley M. Wagner Niedzewecki
Shirley M. Wagner Niedzewecki, 79, of Erie, formerly of St. Mary's, Pa., passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Golden Living Center after an extended illness. She was born November 13, 1930, in St. Mary's, daughter of the late George J. and Marcella Haines Wagner. She was a resident of Erie for over 50 years. She was retired from Merchyhurst College and Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Northwest Pa. She was an avid bingo player and bowler. Shirley loved her family and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony P. Niedzewecki; a sister, Mary Jane Kelly; and a brother, William G. Wagner. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Diane (Brad) Ropey, two sons, Daniel (Donna) and Paul (Doreen) Niedzewecki , two granddaughters, Zoe and Jill, two great-granddaughters, Madison and Emma and a great-grandson, Isaac, all of Erie; five sisters, Lucille (Florian) Samick, Lorraine McMackin, Betty Dicello, Barbara (Ray) Gradl, all of St. Mary's and Nancy Kronnenwetter, of Tarentum, Pa.; two brothers, George "Butch" (Ann) and Charles "Bud" (Betty) Wagner, and a sister-in-law, Edna Wagner, all of St. Mary's; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Law Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Ave., followed by words of comfort by Chaplain Blair of Aseracare Hospice. Interment will be at St. Leo's Cemetery in Ridgeway, Pa., at the convenience of the family. Create a memorial web site

Douglas Ongley
Douglas Ongley, 46, of Davenport Street, Spartansburg, Pa., died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Corry Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bracken Funeral Home, 211 Mechanic Street, Spartansburg, Pa. Create a memorial web site

Alfreda Prochowski
Alfreda Prochowski, 86, of Erie, passed away on Friday, March 5, 2010 at St. Vincent Medical Center. She was born on October 1, 1923 in Erie, a daughter of the late Adam and Victoria Benedyk Snarski. Alfreda attended East High School and later worked at Pulakos in the 1940s and 1950s. She was a member of St. Peter Cathedral. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sigmond R. Prochowski in 2006; two brothers, Edward and Chester Snarski; and two sisters, Helen Lewis and Julia Marofsky. Alfreda is survived by a sister, Jean DeBello, of New Jersey; and a brother, Joseph Snarski, wife, Jane, of Florida. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of NW Pennsylvania, 110 W. 10th St., Erie, PA 16501 or Diabetes Association of Erie County, 1128 State St., Erie, PA 16501. Arrangements are being handled by the Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 W. 38th St. . Create a memorial web site

Mary H. Schaefer
Mary H. Schaefer, age 86, formerly of 3241 West 32nd Street, died Friday, March 5, 2010 at Manchester Presbyterian Lodge. She was born in Edinboro, Pa. on November 26, 1923, daughter of the late Alphonso E. and Wilhelmina Pfeiffer Hermann. She was a graduate of Edinboro High School. She was a founding member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Carl; two brothers, Lawrence and Francis Hermann; and sister, Marguerite Carlson. She is survived by her sister, Wilma Van Derveer; son David C. Schaefer and his wife Michelle of East Springfield; two daughters, Ann Marie Artz of Fairview, Pa., and Mary Schaefer Breakiron of Erie; three grandchildren, Katrina Schaefer, Dale and Angela Artz; and two step-grandchildren, Thomas Breakiron and his wife Molly of Slippery Rock, Pa., and Lauren Breakiron of Harrisburg, Pa.; and one step-great-granddaughter Abigail Breakiron. Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave)., Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend prayer service there Thursday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will be in Dunn Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Peace 2401 W.38th St Erie, PA 16506 or The American Heart Association 823 Filmore Ave. Erie, PA 16505. Create a memorial web site

Thomas C. Schultz
Former Union City School Teacher Thomas C. Schultz, formerly of North East, died Sunday March 7, 2010 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 29, 1939 in Girard, a son of the late Charles and Mary Eleanor Moore Schultz. He was a graduate of Girard's Rice Avenue Union High School in the class of 1957. After graduating from Edinboro State College (now EUP) in 1963, he taught elementary school in the Union City School District for 34 years and retired in 1997. Following his retirement Thomas worked as an associate of the Reid Lumber Co. in North East for nine years. He and his wife Laura then retired to their home in Girard township where he enjoyed gardening and outdoor activities. Thomas was a member and Past Master of Eureka Lodge #366 F & AM Union City. He was also Past High Priest of Columbus Royal Arch Chapter #200, Corry; Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Titusville Council #41, and Past Eminent Commander, Clarence Commandry #51, Corry. He was awarded the Knight York Cross of Honor by Keystone Priory #26 Pittsburgh, Pa. Thomas was also a member of the Valley of Erie, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and the Zem Zem Shrine. Besides his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Paul A. Schultz EMCM (SS) U.S. Navy and by his stepdaughter, Melodie Rose Bissell in 1999. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Laura Bateman Schultz; daughter Colleen M. Schultz of North East; son Timothy N. Schultz of Hicksville, N.Y.; stepsons, Ronald L. Bissell of Hagerstown N.Y. and Anthony D. Bissell of North East; brothers Richard Schultz and his wife Beverly, Rodger Schultz and his wife Liz, all of Girard, Eric Schultz and his wife Victoria "Vickie" of Millcreek, and Mark Schultz and his wife Michelle of Girard; grandchildren Casey McIntosh and Katelyn McIntosh; stepgrandchildren Cassidy Schultz and Caitlynn Schultz; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home, 309 Main St. East, Girard. Services will be held there on Thursday at 10 a.m., Rev. Barbara English and Rev. Darrell Greenawalt officiating. North East Lodge #399 will conduct a Masonic Service at the funeral home on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Francis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children (Erie Unit), 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505. Send a Sympathy Note

Olivia Jean "Jeanie" Strait
Olivia Jean "Jeanie" Strait, 68, North East, died Saturday evening, March 6, 2010, at St. Vincent Health Center following a lengthy illness. She was born in Erie, April 22, 1941, daughter of the late Alphonse and Mary Williams Dombrowski. She lived in the Erie area all of her life. She had been an assistant manager and manager of three Atlantic gas stations. Olivia was a 1959 graduate of Port Allegany High School in Port Allegany, Pa., and a faithful Jehovah's Witness of Union City congregation. She was a field commissioner of the Boy's Baseball, Inc. of Erie and her favorite hobby was working with ceramics. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Adelbert Lee Strait; a daughter, Sabrina Midlik, and her husband, Daniel, of Pleasantville, Pa.; three sons, Michael Strait and his wife, Marie, of Fairview, Norman Strait and his friend, Tammy, of Erie, and Philip Strait and his wife, Kerry, of Union City; and a sister, Amber Davis, and her husband, Jeff, of Charleston, W. Va. She is also survived by six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Merle Murphy. Friends may attend a memorial service on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Roosevelt Highway, Union City, PA. Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504 is in charge of arrangements. Send a Sympathy Note

Frank A. Vendetti
"Hellava Ballplayer" Frank A. Vendetti, 64, of Canton, Michigan, formerly of Erie, Pa., died, Monday, March 1, 2010, at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan. Frank was born October 26, 1945, in Erie, Pa., a son of the late Anthony N. and Virginia M. Parisi Vendetti. Frank was a sign language interpreter. He often times worked in the State of Michigan courtrooms interpreting for the deaf. But, he was also present to interpret for State Governors and Pope John Paul II. Frank is most well known, in the Erie area, for his amazing basketball and baseball skills as a student at Strong Vincent High School in the early 1960's. He was also an avid golfer and a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberley; son, Michael Vendetti, of Canton, Mich.; and four brothers, Dennis Vendetti, of Md., Kenneth Vendetti and wife, Elizabeth, of Erie, Ronald Vendetti and wife, Joann, also of Erie, and Curry Vendetti, of Clearfield. Survivors also include nieces, Raychel Adiutori and Carly Bennett, of Erie, Vanessa Vendetti, of Md., and Angela Vendetti, of Erie. Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service there at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania & Southern West Virginia, 1001 State St., Erie, PA 16501. Send a Sympathy Note

Dr. Bob Wallace
Dr. Bob Wallace, 12850 Hill Rd., Edinboro, Pa., died at his home, surrounded by family members early Monday morning, March 8, 2010, from pancreatic cancer. Bob was born October 26, 1940, in Okeechobee, Fla. Bob received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and remained a devoted Gator fan all of his life. He received a Master's from Indiana University at Bloomington and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Bob was a professor emeritus of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, having retired in 2002. During his tenure, he was the Director of Instructional Technology, taught media classes, produced and directed various television programs, and was ENN's advisor. The television studio at Edinboro is named in honor of "Dr. Bob." Bob enjoyed racquetball, backgammon, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his children, Michael and his wife, Linda, and grandson, Michael, of Trenton, Ohio, Keri of Richmond, Va., Brian of Pittsburgh, Blake of New York City, and Paul of Waterford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Bob Wallace Scholarship Foundation, c/o Development Office, Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444. A memorial service will be held at Edinboro University Club, Van Houten North, on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 6 p.m. Arrangements by the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Edinboro. Create a memorial web site

Bernadette G. Woodside
Bernadette G. Woodside, 88, of Erie, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at the St. Vincent Health Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Merle E. Wood Funeral Home, Inc., 215 West 25th St. in tomorrow's paper. Create a memorial web site

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