OBITUARIES

Recent Erie County, PA Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Erie Pennsylvania and Surrounding North-Western PA Areas

Ruth Veneskey Awada

Ruth Veneskey Awada

May 27, 2026

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...

John Floyd Chiota

John Floyd Chiota

May 27, 2026

John Floyd Chiota, age 74, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in North Carolina on May 27, 2026. Born on September 25, 1951, in Erie, PA, he was the son of the late Floyd and Celia Clemente Chiota.

John's family was the center of his life, and his children and grandchildren were truly his pride and joy. He treasured...

Jon Dominic Luciano

Jon Dominic Luciano

May 24, 2026

Jon Dominic Luciano, 46, of Erie, passed away at his residence on Sunday, May 24, 2026. He was born on June 6, 1979 in Erie, a son of Susan (Bernardini) Luciano and the late Joseph Luciano.

Jon was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, Class of 1998. Throughout his life he was employed as a machinist at several local businesses,...

Mark Richard Minichelli

Mark Richard Minichelli

May 22, 2026

Dr. Mark Richard Minichelli was born on September 30, 1963, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Frank D. and Constance A. Minichelli. After a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer, Mark passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Mark graduated from McDowell High School and attended Edinboro University of...

Randall James Ferrante

Randall James Ferrante

May 14, 2026

Randall Ferrante, Aerospace Engineer, numismatist, veteran, father, Steeler's fan, and avid traveler dies at age 64 in his home in Clinton, MA on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his children after a courageous battle with ALS.

He was born in Erie, PA on September 8, 1961. He graduated high school from Erie's Technical Memorial in 1979 and joined the US...

Michael B. Hickey

Michael B. Hickey

May 5, 2026

Michael B. Hickey, age 82, passed away on May 5th, surrounded by family in Phoenix, AZ. Born and raised in Erie, Mike graduated from Gannon University after serving in the Army. He worked at GE for over 25 years while building a beautiful family and home on the lake in Harborcreek.

Well-read and informed, he connected with people through warmth and...

Melton J. Thigpen

Melton J. Thigpen

May 5, 2026

Melton J. Thigpen, 72, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was born on November 11, 1953 in Erie, Pa, a son of the late Albert and Eular Mae (Billups) Thigpen.

Respected Friend, All American Dad, Grandmaster Martial Artist, Man of Iron, & A Heart of Gold. Protector of the children and dad to ones that weren't his own. He...

Harry Kenneth Miller Sr.

Harry Kenneth Miller Sr.

Apr 27, 2026

Harry K. Miller, Sr., 92, of Erie, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at LECOM at Elmwood Gardens. He was born December 8, 1933, in Blairsville, PA, a son of the late Elmer and Catherine (Helman) Miller.Harry worked for many years at Uniflow until his retirement. A lifelong lover of sports, Harry devoted countless hours to coaching Boy's Baseball.Harry was...

Louis L. Colecchia

Louis L. Colecchia

Apr 25, 2026

Louis L. Colecchia passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026 surrounded by his family. Lou was born in Erie, PA on February 27, 1947 to the late Aldemo "Elmer" and Ruth (Woods) Colecchia.

He was a proud graduate of Cathedral Preparatory High School, Class of 1965, where he was an accomplished trumpet player and served as Drum Major of the marching...

Michelle Mennini

Michelle Mennini

Apr 20, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michelle Marie Mennini, 44, of Erie, who left this world on April 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Michelle was a compassionate soul whose life was defined by her dedication to helping others. She worked in the Home Health Care field, The Mercy Center for Women and most recently...

Gulio A. Ferrante

Gulio A. Ferrante

Apr 17, 2026

Gulio A. Ferrante passed away peacefully at Pleasant Ridge Manor on Friday, April 17, 2026, just nine days after celebrating his 95th birthday. He was born on April 8, 1931 in Erie, a son of the late Domenico and Assunta (Iaboni) Ferrante.Gulio was a dedicated and hardworking man who was employed throughout his life at Lovell Manufacturing, Lord Corporation, and Zurn...

William H Chapin

William H Chapin

Apr 10, 2026

William H. Chapin, 85, of Erie, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at LECOM at Elmwood Gardens. He was born in Erie, PA a son of the late Harold E. and Myra (Orr) Chapin.

William was a graduate of Academy High School. After graduation he joined the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged, he was employed at GE and...

Barbara Helen Martucci

Barbara Helen Martucci

Apr 4, 2026

Barbara Helen Martucci, age 84 of Valdosta, GA, formerly of Erie, PA passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026. She was born on October 3, 1941, to the late Christian and Helen Pommer in Erie, PA. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, known as a gentle loving soul. She was a 1959 graduate of Harbor Creek...

Kathy Marie Cirillo

Kathy Marie Cirillo

Apr 3, 2026

Kathy M. Cirillo passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born on April 14 in Erie, a cherished daughter of the late Frank P. Sr. and Pettie (Locastro) Cirillo.

From the very beginning, Kathy's life was rooted in faith, family, and a deep sense of purpose that she carried with her...

Andria Vitelli

Andria Vitelli

Mar 30, 2026

Andria Marie Vitelli, 64, of Erie, passed away, March 30, 2026 at her residence. She was born May 16, 1961 in Erie, a daughter of the late Lidano "Leo" Joseph and Elma M. (Arduini) Vitelli.

Andria cherished the simple joys in life and found great pleasure in swimming, biking, and immersing herself in the magic of movies and music. Her...

Frank D. Minichelli

Frank D. Minichelli

Mar 28, 2026

 

Frank D. Minichelli, 91, was born on December 31, 1934; the son of the late Emidio and Lucia (Palloto) Minichelli. He was the youngest of four sons. Frank passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026 cradled by the love of his family.

Having attended Columbus Elementary, Irving Elementary, and Roosevelt Jr. High, Frank graduated from Tech Memorial High School in 1953....

Jackie Babcock

Jackie Babcock

Mar 21, 2026

Jackie Babcock, 90, of Erie, died peacefully, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 1, 1935 in Erie, a son of the late Elmer and Alice Babcock.

Jackie proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked for Erie Forge and Steel for 38 years.

Jackie attended Grace of...

Mark Renzi

Mark Renzi

Mar 13, 2026

Mark Anthony Renzi, 64, of Erie, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Friday, March 13, 2026.He was born on November 2, 1961, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Albert F. Renzi, Sr. and Marylou (Mezzacapo) Renzi.Mark was employed at Hammermill and was a proud member of Laborers Local Union 603. He was known for his ability to...

Mary Margaret Nelson

Mary Margaret Nelson

Mar 12, 2026

Mary M. Benacci Nelson, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home on March 12, 2026. She was born on January 14, 1949 in Erie, a daughter of the late Joseph C. and Mae Reine (Felix) Benacci.Mary attended Rosevelt Jr. High School and was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, Class of 1967, where she was the co-captain of...

Dennis Fabrizi

Dennis Fabrizi

Mar 12, 2026

Denny Fabrizi, 77, died peacefully, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 7, 1948 in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late John Fabrizi and Anna Mae (DeDad) Fabrizi.

Denny graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1966, was hired by GTE, and then enlisted in the US Air Force in October of 1967. He...