Michael P. Gualtieri

Michael P. Gualtieri

Michael P. Gualtieri, 87, of Erie, passed away Thursday October 11, 2018 at UPMC Hamot. He was surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with COPD. He was born July 10, 1931 in Erie, PA . He is the son of the late Gabriel and Florence Marchiando Gualtieri. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Gualtieri Wilson, sister Ann Palombizio, brother Frank Gualtieri. He is survived by his loving wife and partner in crime of 62 years, Angeline Aquillono Gualtieri of Erie. Also survived by his daughter Michelle (John) Donovan of Waterford, son Michael (Colleen) Gualtieri of Lake City. Grandchildren, Ryan Wilson, Noelle Wilson, Patrick Wiesen, Shelby Weber, Henry Barker. Great grandchildren, Chloe, Caylin, Isabella, Jaxen, Reece, and Eva. His sister in law, Rosie Aquillono, special nephew, Edward Palombizio, special Aunt Francis Marchiando. Several nieces and nephews.

Michael was a proud US Army veteran of the Korean conflict. He served from October 2, 1952 to September 24, 1954. He was attached to the 101st airborne as a radio operator. Also with the fourth signal battalion corps, 10th corps HQ, and the 8th army. He was awarded the Korean service medal with a bronze service star, United Nations service medal, National Defense service medal, and a good conduct medal.

When asked where he got his drive for completing radio operator school, he said the other option was climbing poles to repair the wires that the North Koreans cut in the dark of night and risk becoming a target to the enemy during repair.

He was dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He went above and beyond to help his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. His family extended beyond blood, if you were his friend you were a member of his 'family'.

He had many hobbies throughout his lifetime. They ranged from playing percussion instruments and racing stock cars, to being a HAM radio operator (k3ekf) and model ship building. He was an avid gardener and knew how to cultivate a beautiful garden. He was always willing to give advice on how to get the best tomatoes in town. He always had a camera to capture moments to look back on. He was an avid Steelers fan and reader. He made many road trips throughout the years with his family. Stretching from the tall ships in New England to Mickey's Castle in Disney World and to visit family in Steubenville, Ohio and Jamestown, New York.

After 35 years he retired from American Sterilizer. In his retirement, he enjoyed wood carving, building and operating remote control helicopters and planes which included trips to Toledo,Ohio for the remote control shows with his grandson and friends. He built beautiful doll houses for his wife, daughter and granddaughter, which included electricity in each room. He was a member of the Niagara league and took a special interest in the rebuilding of the flagship Niagara with his grandson. He photographed and took video of the progress from start to finish. He recently donated these videos and photographs to the Erie County Blasco library.

Some of his vices included taking roads trips to Meadville for Eds foot long hot dogs and Hanks homemade custard. Bus trips to the Salamanca Casino and playing cards with his sterilizer co-workers. He also enjoyed trips to Kraynaks Christmas store with his wife, his partner in crime. He enjoyed a good glass of Jim Beam or Brandy every now and then.

While he did not accumulate great wealth or fame during his time on earth, he had a very successful life. He earned his way with hard work and was respected by all who knew him. Although he was humble and quiet he truly enjoyed life. He always had a smile and a sparkle in his eye. He was a friend to everyone that he met. He is now reunited with his daughter Denise, as well as his parents and siblings.

The impact of his passing will leave a huge gap in the lives of his loved ones and friends. We will miss his funny little grin, that sparkle in his eye, daily phone calls, the stories of his life and his great sense of humor. The knowledge that he shared with us will be passed on for generations. The love he showed us was real. That family is important. Our hope in this time of sadness is that he knows how much he was loved and will be missed. Dad we hope you enjoy your 1792 and Jack Daniels single barrel. God blessed us with him and now he is resting peacefully with God.

Friends may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Paul RC Church, 1617 Walnut Street, Tuesday at 10 AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a donation made may be made to one of the following charitable organization, COPD Foundation, American Cancer Society of Erie, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association of Erie and The Anna Shelter of Erie.