Ruth Veneskey Awada

Ruth Awada (Ruthik), of Erie, Pennsylvania, formerly of Mt. Lebanon and Ebensburg, PA and multiple locations throughout the U.S., passed away unexpectedly on May 27, 2026.

Ruth is survived by husband Dr. Marc Awada. She was the sister of Norma Netherwood (D. Blakeshaw Netherwood III), Gwen Veneskey (John Urbaniak), Leo Veneskey Jr., Lea Humphrey (Jim Hicks), Monica Peterman (Stephen Panasiti), Catherine Wadhwani (Deepak Wadhwani), and James Veneskey (Tina); and the sister-in-law of Mena Veneskey, Richard DerVanik Sr., Wissam Awada and the Awada extended family.

Ruth was preceded in death by parents, Leo and Leona Veneskey; brother, Paul Veneskey; sister Sylvia DerVanik; brother-in-law Ronald C. Peterman I; sister-in-law Marian Veneskey; and sister-in-law Diana Veneskey; and other beloved family members.

She was a devoted aunt of Amy Howe (Jamie), Laura Veneskey, Douglas B. Netherwood IV (Sharon), Andrea Netherwood Clemens (Scott), Ash Netherwood (Meagan), Richard DerVanik Jr. (Dawn), Jeffrey DerVanik (Jennifer), Ronald C. Peterman II (Jessica), Britni Peterman, Anna Wadhwani (Hemal Patel, fiancé), Ajay Wadhwani, David, and Audrey (d); and a proud great-aunt to Sebastian Howe, Kitty Howe, Vance Clemens Netherwood, Abby Netherwood, Victoria DerVanik (Nate), Frank DerVanik, Vida Blanco Peterman, Luka Blanco, Adrian Peterman, and Camila Peterman.

A lover of nature, Ruth enjoyed bicycling with her husband in Presque Isle State Park, photography, gardening, participating in her garden club, feeding birds, and traveling. She was deeply devoted to her family and friends and was loved by all who knew her. Kind, thoughtful, and generous beyond measure, Ruth was always willing to lend a helping hand. Having lived in many parts of the country over the years, Ruth transformed every house into a warm and welcoming home through her exceptional decorating and organizational talents. Wherever she and Marc lived, she cultivated lasting friendships and left a positive impact on everyone she met.

Friends are invited to call Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth's memory to the Presque Isle Partnership (https://www.discoverpi.com).