Sunday, March 23, 2025

Death of Richard H. Thayer, Jr.



FLBHS Class of 1973

Richard H. Thayer Jr., 66, passed away March 1, 2022 at the Erie VA Hospital Hospice Unit following extended illnesses. He was born in Erie on August 16, 1955 to Joann (Weber) and Richard H. Thayer, Sr.

Ric was a 1973 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as an avionics weapons expert and Master Training Specialist. Once he completed his service, he was the Distance Education/Telemedicine Coordinator for a DoD-funded distance-education research program at St. Francis University in Loretto PA. Ric was an electronics instructor at Erie County Technical School, and the Program Director/Lead Instructor of Biomedical Technology at Erie Institute of Technology. As owner of Thayer Development Company, he was a Technical Writer, Instructional Designer, and Training Delivery Specialist, designing and implementing corporate training programs. He was most recently employed by Alstom Transportation and Signaling Systems as an Instructional Designer at their West Henrietta, NY location.

Through the years, Ric volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, served on Parent-Teacher Associations’ and Booster Clubs’ boards and committees, coached F.I.R.S.T. Robotics and F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League Robotics teams, and taught Catholic Canonical Doctrine classes. He was a proud member of Mensa, and a former member of American Legion Post 773 in Millcreek, PA, where he served on the honor guard. Ric dabbled in theatre and relished his stints as a guest emcee at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club. He was a voracious reader and deeply interested in politics. One of his favorite pastimes was Texas Hold’em Poker.

Fondly called, “Ironman,” “Papa Bear,” “Pokey,” “Grizzly Bear,” or just plain “Papa,” Ric was a kind, considerate, gentle soul who always followed the Golden Rule of treating others as he’d want to be treated.

He is survived by his wife Ann (Dieteman) Thayer, his children, Jamie Adams (Chandler), Jordan Keller (Jason), Jacob Thayer (Missi), Joanna Elizabeth Thayer, Richard Thayer, III (Josh), Delia Horn (Robert), Hannah West (Joseph), and his grandchildren, Harlin Cope, Ashten Cope, Sadie Adams, and Louisa West. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Theodore Thayer, Doreen Licitra (Carmelo), and Kellie Thayer, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family called on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brugger Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street. A funeral Mass was held on Saturday at noon at St. Julia Church, 638 Roslyn Avenue. A private burial will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery.

Thanks to Robert Babb for furnishing the above obituary.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Death of Gaylene Annette Kerr Banister



FLBHS Class of 1964

Gaylene Annette Kerr Banister, 78, passed away from renal failure on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at her home in Cypress, Texas. She was born on August 4, 1946 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Roger and Lois Kerr and grew up in Summit Township, Pennsylvania.

She graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1964. During high school, Gaylene spent a summer in the Netherlands as a foreign-exchange student and was proud of herself for being a small town girl who was able to travel overseas. Gaylene married James L. Banister in 1965 after a chance meeting at the local McDonalds. In 1966 she and their infant son, Jimmy, were able to travel to and live with James in Okinawa where he was stationed with the Navy during the Vietnam War. The couple returned to the States in 1968 and a daughter, Heather, was born in 1970.

Gaylene and her family moved to Midland, Texas in 1979 where she became a computer programmer and later, a desktop publisher working for Randall’s grocery chain and Mitsubishi-Caterpillar designing fliers and manuals. Gaylene had many hobbies and talents. She was a consummate foodie who loved to cook and try new recipes and create her own dishes. She was talented at sewing, cross-stitch and knitting. She was especially passionate about genealogy and learning about family history.

Gaylene was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Lois Kerr and her husband of 43 years, James L. Banister, Sr., her granddaughter Carolyn Banister and her great-grandson Luis Leal.

Gaylene is survived by her son James. L. Banister, Jr. (wife Leslie), her daughter Heather (husband John), her brother Wayne (wife Chris), four grandchildren (Leslea Rosa (wife Ilia), Laura Caban, Robert Banister & Alyssandra Burgess) and many great-grandchildren.

A service to honor Gaylene’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 12:30 pm at Veteran’s Funeral Services, located at 10567 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. She will be buried next to her beloved husband James in the Houston National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Kidney Fund, or your local SPCA.

Thanks to Milo Hall for furnishing the above obituary

Friday, February 7, 2025

Death of Ruth Ann Wise Wolf



FLBHS Class of 1958

It is deep sadness that I received word from Charles D. Cowley, Jr. that his mother, Ruth Ann Wise Wolf, and my oldest son's God Mother, passed way yesterday, February 6, 2025. Charles informed me that no funeral services will be held. His mother gave her body to science. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. I will post information about the Memorial Service when it is finalized.

Friday, February 7, 2025

Death of Dorothy Ann Edwards Turner

FLBHS Class of 1961

Dorothy Ann Turner, age 82 of North Springfield, Pa., passed away quietly at her home with her loving husband at her bedside.

Dorothy was born in Evansburg, PA on January 7, 1943, the daughter of the late William and Anna I. (Reddinger) Edwards.

Dorothy was a hard worker and enjoyed everything life had to offer. She worked in several places such as, Erie Plastics, Pre-Mix in Kingsville, and even worked at the Erie Geriatric Home (Pleasant Ridge Manor) for many years as a nurses’ aid. When she wasn’t working, she was having fun spending time with her husband, Ralph Turner whom she married on July 18, 1970. They enjoyed playing softball together on a Men’s and Women’s League, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. She was a member of the Dale Ernhart Nascar Fan Club and she performed synchronized swimming in high school. She also liked to mow grass on their riding mower.

Besides her parents, Dot was preceded in death by four brothers: Jack, Jim, Bill, and Roger Edwards and three sisters: Grace Rogers, Betty Daniels, and Kathryn McCracken.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Ralph and a sister, Faye Jarmolowicz (Cas) of Erie and a brother, Jerry Edwards (Donna) of Tennessee, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 11 until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home, 11883 Main Street, East Springfield, Pa with burial following at Erie County Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Donations may be made in Memory of Dorothy Turner to Asera Care Hospice, 1600 Peninsula Dr Erie, PA 16505. Arrangements were handled with care by the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home.

Thanks to Donna Cowley Edwards for furnishing the above obituary

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Death of Thomas Trojan

FLBHS Class of 1970

Thomas Trojan, age 73, of Summit Township, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was born in Erie on September 12, 1951, a son of the late Stanley and Rita (Brown) Trojan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Trojan, and brother Richard Trojan.

Survivors include his children, James Trojan (Stephanie Cross) and Heather Proctor (Troy Jewell); grandchildren, Katie Proctor (Conner) and Gregery Proctor (Nazhe); his siblings, Nancy Moraski (Gerry) and Barbara McClelland (Charlie); and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was a lifelong resident of Summit Township. He graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School and The Erie County Technical School in 1970. He worked at Central Maintenance for 37 years at General Electric. Tom enjoyed dancing with the love of his life, Marie. They were high school sweethearts and married for 50 years. Tom and Marie were inseparable. He loved his children and grandchildren. He would often be found driving his Rat rod built along with his son around town. He enjoyed playing his guitar and was an avid hunter. Tom enjoyed working on projects in his garage and collecting antiques. Staying busy was his point in life as he was never one to sit around. He loved people. Tom had many friends all over the country in which he spoke to regularly. He would always have time to talk to anyone, always going out of his way to help anyone that needed it. His favorite saying was, “The only way to heaven is to help your neighbors.” Those are the words he lived by.

Services are private. Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics of Erie County.

Thanks to Milo Hull, FLBHS Class of 1969, for furnishing the above obituary!

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Death of Paulie J. Simons Melquist

FLBHS Class of 1969

Paulie J. Simons Melquist, age 73, of Erie, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at Millcreek Community Hospital. She was born in Erie, on October 12, 1951, a daughter of the late Homer William and Geraldine E. Litzel Simons.

Paulie graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1969. She earned her Bachelor of Secondary Education degree and her Master of Education in Elementary Education degree from Edinboro University. She worked as a teacher in the Erie School District for over 23 years, retiring in 2011. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, quilting, and reading books. She loved collecting pineapples.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband of 49½ years, Dennis M. Melquist; her son, Matthew Melquist; and her nephew Jeremy Simons.

Survivors include her two sons, Michael Melquist, of Erie and Dennis W. Melquist and his wife Miranda, of Union City; her four grandchildren, Alexander, Meeko, Micah, and Ezra Melquist; her two great-grandsons, Ryker and Max Melquist; her brother, William Simons (Kathyrn); and many nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and were invited to a graveside service the following morning at Laurel Hill Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Thanks to Milo Hull, FLBHS Class of 1969 for furnishing the above obituary!

Monday, December 02 2024

Death of George J. Lenard, Jr.

FLBHS Class of 1956

George Joseph Lenart Jr. - Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

George J. Lenart Jr., 86, of Waterford, passed peacefully Sunday, December 1, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. George was born on April 6, 1938 in Erie County, Pa to George and Anna Lenart. George loved working in the garage, throwing horseshoes, golfing, playing pinnacle, and his Jezynowka (Yezzy).

George attended Fort LeBoeuf School after which time he started working the family farm. He then began his career in construction working for Fry Construction, later working for Mayer Brothers Construction for 50 years retiring as a foreman. George continued various construction projects and could always be found behind the controls of his dozer or backhoe. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at George’s Garage and taking his leisure drive around the block.

He is preceded in death by parents George and Anna Lenart, siblings Anna Kowalski, Margaret Wethli, Kathryn Downor, Emery Lenart, and Joseph Lenart.

He is survived by his brother Andrew (Carol) Lenart; three children - Ray Lenart (Cheryl Ishman), Roger Lenart, and Rhonda Lenart Estes; four grandchildren - Eric (Breann) Estes, Vanessa Risjan, Marissa (Luke) Williams, and Derek (Tasha) Lenart; five great-grandchildren - Maddie, Maverick, Mason Lenart, Simon and Henry Risjan; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Thursday, Dec. 5th from 4-7 pm, and may attend the funeral service there on Friday morning at 11:00 am. Rev. Tori Heath from Asbury Global Methodist Church will officiate. Committal service and burial will follow in Waterford Cemetery West.

Family would like to thank Interim Healthcare for their wonderful care and compassion.

In leu of flowers memorials may be made to Stancliff Hose Company Station 14, 328 High St. Waterford, Pa 16441. Condolences may be sent at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.