Earl Lego Jr.

Earl B. Lego, Jr., 79, of Erie, Pennsylvania passed away on September 30, 2026 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 20, 1947, in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, son to Earl B. and Blossom (Beach) Lego. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, sister; Grace Gable, and brother-in-law; John Gable of Roaring Springs.

Earl is survived by his loving wife; Pamela Darlene (Morton) Lego, his children; Aaron Lego of Erie, Pennsylvania, Gretchen (Marcus) Atkinson of Erie, Pennsylvania, Natalie (James) Jewell of Erie, Pennsylvania, Erich (Iris) Lego of Franklin, Tennessee, his seven grandchildren, his brother; Walter (Wanda) Lego; his sisters-in-law Cheryl (Bob) Rees and Christine Aho; his brother-in-law Brian Zielinski, several nieces and nephews, and feisty fur baby Lola Bear, who comforted and protected him through the end.

Though Earl loved a good armchair and classic movie, his passions included playing poker with his buddies, golfing with his firefighter friends and brother, completing crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and Fantasy Sports, at one point managing 13 teams at once. Earl provided endless guidance to his children, always encouraging them to build a life with a foundation of honesty and hard work. He also found joy in traveling with his family to the Jersey Shore and cruising with his “wifey” and in-laws, Bob and Cheryl. He reminisced fondly on his childhood, from his humble beginnings in a coal-mining town, to his adventurous nights driving around the city and bugging State.

Earl dedicated his life to serving both his country and community. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. During his service in the Vietnam War, he demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication, earning several military medals, including the Bronze Star and the Gallantry Cross, in recognition of his bravery and distinguished service. In 1975, his calling to serve led him to a career with the Erie Fire Department. For 33 years, Earl protected our city’s homes and businesses, including battling the infamous P.A. Meyers blaze in January of 1978, where he and his fellow firefighters faced extreme sub-zero weather throughout the night.

After retirement, Earl’s life centered around his grandchildren. Most days were filled with babysitting, family dinners, driving them to practice, or heading out to watch them in their favorite activities. Whether it be tapping along to Logan performing drums at a local downtown event, watching Amelia on stage for both dance and theater, sitting in the bleachers at Myles’s basketball and football games, cheering from the sidelines for James on the soccer field or cross-country course, or cuddling with Cora while watching cartoons or reading a story, Poppy was always by their sides. Throughout the year, Earl would be eager to plan his train trips to build everlasting memories with Sophia and Henry. Together they adventured across the country, heading west to explore Denver, CO and the Rocky Mountains, and South to the charming towns and sites outside of Nashville, TN. Whether they be near or away, the joy Earl felt for his family never reached its limit.

Earl truly led a fulfilling life. To some, he was Earl the Pearl, but to many others he was EP, Uber Earl, The Great Earl and The Duke. To the ones he loved the most, he was simply Poppy. Poppy’s wit, resilience, strength, and charm will be the legacy he passes on through his family and friends. These traits will be carried through the generations, for their impact will never fade.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc., West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th Street, on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 4:00-6:00pm and attend the funeral service there on Friday, October 9th at 11:00AM, followed by his Full Military Honors rendered by Billy Simpson VFW Post 470.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty House, 728 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16502 or the Veteran’s Miracle Center of Erie, 1573 West 39th Street, Erie, PA 16509.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com