Obituaries

Apr 7, 2014

Richard “Rich” C. Trabinger

Richard “Rich” C. Trabinger, age 60, of Fairview, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 7, 2014.

Born February 16, 1954, in Erie, he was the son of Margaret “Peg” Hughes Howell Trabinger of Erie and the late Arthur Trabinger. Rich was a 1972 graduate of Strong Vincent High School and then received a degree in business from Gannon University....

Apr 6, 2014

Melanie A. Wienczkowski, age 49 of Erie, died suddenly Sunday, April 6, 2014 at UPMC Hamot.

She was born in Erie, September 2, 1964, a daughter of the late Richard and Harriet Morey Hall.

Melanie graduated from Strong Vincent High School, attended Gannon University, and was a Medical Resident Assistant at Regency at South Shore.

She was a member of the Pulaski Club...

Apr 6, 2014

Jack L. Schaffner, age 89, of Sarasota FL, formerly of Erie and Chicago, died on Sunday April 6, 2014 at Glenridge Carroll Center in Sarasota, FL. He was born in Erie, PA on July 15, 1924, a son of the late Henry and Matilde Schaffner.

Jack graduated from Strong Vincent High School and attended Ohio State University until he was called...

Apr 4, 2014

Kurt A. Schenker age 19, of Erie, and currently of Yuma, AZ passed away on Friday, April 4, 2014 following a tragic accident.

He was born in Erie on September 10, 1994 a son of John Schenker and Corie Davis of Erie.

Kurt graduated from McDowell High School and went on to join the United States Marine Corp and was currently stationed...

Apr 4, 2014

Mary Wojcicki Yanko, age 87, of Fairview, died on Friday April 4, 2014 at home. She was born on November 27, 1926 in Erie, a daughter of the late Anthony and Helen Wojcicki.

Mary graduated from St. Hedwig grade school and East High School. She was a member of St. Hedwig Church for many years. Mary loved her dogs and taking...

Apr 3, 2014

Doris Pearl McKissick Kurkas died peacefully in Erie, PA on April 3, 2014.

She was born at home April 9, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Samuel and Freda McKissick.

Doris was a true artist, crafting many beautiful florals, landscapes, and religious paintings, many of which hang proudly in her children’s homes. She was an avid reader of mysteries and suspense...

Apr 3, 2014

James “Jim” M. Musich Sr. age 77, of Fairview, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 3, 2014 at St. Vincent Health Center.

He was born in Struthers, OH on March 26, 1937 son of the late Joseph and Anne Pauline Musich.

Jim graduated from Struthers High School and was a member of St. Julia Roman Catholic Church and the Siebenbuerger Club. Jim was...

Apr 3, 2014

Donald E.Whiteman, age 94, of Girard, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Fairview Manor.

He was born July 19, 1919 in Endeavor, Forest County, Hickory Township, the son of the late Ralph and Agnes Rudolph Whiteman.

He served in the U.S Army during WW II in the 8th Infantry Division. He was a cannoneer and fuse setter and received four bronze...

Apr 2, 2014

Denise Stablein, age 47, of Girard, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at her residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Erie on July 8, 1966, she was the daughter of John and Jean Hooper George of Erie.

Denise was a 1984 graduate of St. Benedict Academy. She worked as a secretary for Keystone Rehabilitation Systems. Denise...

Apr 1, 2014

Robert L. Valimont, Age 69, of Erie, died on April 1, 2014 at St. Vincent Health Center. He was born in Frenchville, PA on May 28, 1944, the son of the late Bernard Francis Valimont and Betty Brown Valimont Pressor.

Robert graduated from Academy High School. He was a machinist, working his way to supervisor at Erie Bolt. He was a...

Apr 1, 2014

Alice Crozier Vanco, age 86, passed away surrounded by her family on April 1, 2014.

A lifelong resident of Edinboro, PA, Alice loved to sing and was a frequent soloist at Edinboro First Presbyterian and then Bethel Presbyterian Church, where she was a longtime member. She was a noted and creative cook who regularly blessed scores of friends and neighbors with...

Mar 31, 2014

Jack E. Burgess, II age 57, of Erie, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2014 at UPMC Hamot. He was born in Erie, PA on December 8, 1956, a son of the late Jack E. and Jean Nyes Burgess.

Jack graduated from Academy High School. Jack loved the outdoors. He also enjoyed listening to music, reading and learning. He liked motorcycles...

Mar 30, 2014

Joyce Elaine Shaffer, age 61, of Erie, passed away on March 30, 2014 at UPMC Hamot.

Born on January 26, 1953, in Chautauqua, NY she was the daughter of the late Fenton and Violet Hill Post.

She enjoyed writing and photography.

Survivors include sister, Louise Armagost and husband Lawrence of Lake City; daughter, Valerie Haag and husband Richard of Erie; son David Shaffer...

Mar 29, 2014

Janet Ryan age 71, of Cranesville passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014 at her residence following a lengthy illness.

She was born on April 22, 1942 a daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Hanrahan Fileger.

Prior to her retirement, Janet was a bus driver for the Northwestern School District for over 10 years, a packaging supervisor at Accu Spec and was...

Mar 24, 2014

Donald Blaine Fabian, age 88, of Erie, PA, passed away on Monday, March 24 at UPMC Hamot Hospital, following complications due to a stroke.

Donald was born in Erie on November 16th, 1925, the son of the late William and Hazel Jeffrey Fabian.

He was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, Class of 1943. After graduation, Donald received a football scholarship...

Mar 23, 2014

Mar 23, 2014

Robert C. Lemmler, age 78 of Erie, died Sunday, March 23, 2014 at St. Mary’s East.

He was born in Olean, NY on September 1, 1935, a son of the late Lloyd and Virginia Grigsby Lemmler.

Robert graduated from Port Allegheny High School, Class of 1953, attended Penn State Behrend, and received his Electrical Engineering Degree from Penn State, University Park in...

Mar 23, 2014

James C. Byers age 81 of Erie, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014 at UPMC Hamot.

He was born in Derry, PA on December 22, 1932 son of the late Joseph and Irene Stemmler Byers.

He Graduated from Derry Boro High School in 1950 and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Served in the United States Military as a 1st Lieutenant, in...

Mar 21, 2014

Stella T. (Czurzman) Hecker age 87, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014 at St. Mary’s West. She was born in Albion, Pa. on March 22nd, 1925, the daughter of the late Jacob and Anastazia Borys Czurzman.

Stella graduated from Albion High School, Class of 1943. She then went to Cleveland and worked for a while and then returned to Erie where...

Mar 21, 2014

Richard A. Spensley, age 87, of Erie, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014 at Forestview.

He was born in Cincinnati, OH on August 17, 1926, a son of the late Clarence L. and Naomi K. Spensley.

Richard graduated from Central Vocational High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1946, after which he served in the US Navy. He received a degree from Miami...