Ralph Konopka

Ralph E. Konopka, age 74, of Erie, died at UPMC Hamot on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

He was born in Erie, Pa. on March 1, 1938 a son of the late Stanley and Marion Nielsen Konopka.

Ralph was a graduate of East High School and served in the United States Army. He worked for 43 years with the Erie General Electric Company.

After retirement in 2004, he spent his time enjoying his grandchildren and the great outdoors. He especially loved the lake and nature as a whole.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a nephew, Christopher Graml, and his best friend Roy "Butch" Wetherbee.

Along with his loving wife Bernardine, he is survived by his sisters: Carolyne "Dave" Wyler of Tuscon, Az, Dorothy "Joe" Graml of Georgia, brother Ron "Leona" Konopka of Erie, and his children Ginnean "Frank" Ferraro of Harborcreek, Bernard "Linda" Cassady and David "Tonya" Cassady all of Erie. He also leaves 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Private arrangements were under the care of Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, Pa 16502. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to

St. Paul's Neighborhood Free Clinic, 1608 Walnut Street, Erie, PA 16502, or to the Erie City Mission, PO Box 417 Erie, Pa 16512.