Daniel Edward Wingerter, Jr.

Daniel Edward Wingerter, Jr. of Wattsburg, PA age 64, died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends November 7, 2026, seven years after diagnosis with ALS. Born in Erie on March 24, 1962, Dan Jr. was the son of self-made entrepreneur and jack of all trades Dan Sr. who lost his father at age five and became Super Dad to his children. As the only son, Dan Jr., had Sr.’s special attention teaching Dan about hunting, building, wood working and all things manly. He was lovingly cared for by his registered nurse mom Barbara whose quick intervention with the classic back slap prevented toddler Danny from choking on a Vienna sausage. After a breath, Danny promptly asked for more to eat. Taking challenges in stride became a way of life for Dan.

He grew up in a neighborhood filled with kids who played together all day and to this day carry wonderful memories. Weekends of his childhood were spent at Motucky, the family camp in Forest County. Dan played baseball, football, and wrestled. He excelled in Fairview high school football earning All County awards. He began playing rugby in college which became his primary sport, and passion, developing lifelong friendships with teammates at RIT, the Buffalo Old Boys and the Erie Rugby Club. A born athlete with a ‘natural golf swing’, he participated and did well in community athletic events such as the Quad, mile swim and sprint triathlon with no preparation, stating that ‘people who practiced were cheating.’

After elementary school in Fairview, Dan spent two years at Cathedral Prep before returning to Fairview graduating in 1980. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1985 and later a Masters of Technology from the University of Miami.

With the help of Dan Sr., Dan Jr. started Daniel’s Die and Design making rotary cutting dies for Sr.’s corrugated box business, Paragon Packaging, while in high school. After graduation, he worked as a Bar Back at the Kahkwa Club with his best friend and partner in mischief Brian Herr. While attending RIT Dan worked coop opportunities at Geosource, Lord Corporation and MOOG Controls. He stayed on with MOOG in Buffalo, NY as a test engineer for 5 years and then in Tampa, FL as a salesman for 5 years. In 1995 Dan returned home to work for Paragon Packaging in manufacturing, sales and design. After the business was sold in 2013, Dan stayed on as the primary Salesman until his disability limited his ability to communicate.

Dan enjoyed scuba diving, boating, skeet shooting, and had a particular fondness for training Brittany hunting dogs. He loved hunting, especially alongside his Dad. Together they were involved with the Ruffed Grouse Society working to improve habitat for game birds. Dan taught CCD at St. Lukes Church helping the children with first holy communion. He traveled to Jamaica with Food for the Poor for a housing project.

Home improvement projects were a big focus for many years. In 1985 he built an addition on Motucky with Dan Sr. and in 2006 they finished the interior of the new camp Newtucky, what Dan called ‘a magical place.’ Dan could do or would learn to do whatever was needed for a project. He would always volunteer to help regardless of his schedule and often found time to follow through.

As President of the Erie Rugby Club, Dan championed the first PONY (PA, OH, NY) high school rugby tournament, Caroling Ruggers poker run benefiting Shriners Hospital, and Rugby World, a cable access TV show. He traveled extensively for rugby matches including Saranac Lake, NY Savanah, GA, Baltimore, MD, Nashville, TN, Richmond, VA, Ireland, and Wales. Other travels took him to the Caribbean, New Zealand and Europe. He literally ran with the Bulls in Spain!

After Dan’s ALS diagnosis in 2019, his friends rallied their support for Dan and he was shown great love and support throughout his illness. His sister Judy became his champion and moved mountains to give him the best life possible. His nephew, hunting and shooting buddy Ben Susko worked for Dan for years as a driver and later ‘fake nurse’. Dan adapted to the progressive losses the illness presented with little complaint and great tolerance. He continued to enjoy what he had more than he mourned what was lost.

Dan found great love twice and married. Unfortunately, it was not meant to last. He remained an important role model in his stepsons’ lives.

Daniel is survived by his sisters Linda Susko (Paul), Judy Wingerter (Leonard Chase) and Vicki Wiesner (Chris), stepsons Michael and Matthew Perez, nieces and nephews Nathan Wingerter, Peter Susko, Hannah Silva (Dante), Benjamin Susko, Kathryn DiBella (Joey), Lucy Gaston (Hunter), Oliver Wiesner, Meredith Wiesner, Annelise Wiesner, his Aunt Nancy Burkhart and several cousins.

Special thanks to Jillian Cambra, LPN and Jeffrey Bleil, LPN of Bayada Home Health and to all of Dan’s many healthcare providers.

Friends may call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th street Erie, PA on Friday, November 13 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and may attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Church 7100 West Ridge, Fairview with Rev. Scott Detisch. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The ALS Association 1919 University Avenue West Suite 175 St. Paul MN 55104 or www.als.org, Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, or Shriners Children’s Erie, 1645 W. 8th Street Erie, PA 16505.