1948 – John J. Lynch, March 7, 2025, had a long and successful career working for Canteen Corporation for 40 years. He began his career as a stock boy and route salesman and rose through the ranks to Area Vice President before he retired in 1991.

1950 – Chester C. Widomski, January 26, 2025, proudly served in the United States Army. He graduated from Gannon University. He worked for General Electric as an accountant. After retiring from GE, he worked for many years at Downing Golf Course.

1951 – Thomas J. Eberlein, May 20, 2025, went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War where he experienced many cruises, the final being an “around the world cruise.” After the service, Tom went to Gannon for one year and then took a job with the First National Bank where he would work until his retirement. After retirement, he took a position with the Erie YMCA as Coordinator of Industrial and Church Basketball Leagues.

1951 – Russel V. Madonia Sr., April 29, 2025, participated in the ROTC program at Gannon University and graduated in 1955. Following graduation from Gannon, Russell joined the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. After completing his active duty in the Army, Russell stayed enlisted in the US Army Reserve and National Guard for nearly thirty years, retiring at the rank of Captain. After his active duty in the Army, Russell worked for the US Postal Service for 38 years, retiring as supervisor. In “retirement,” Russell worked at the Erie Times Newspaper for 20 years where he had many friends and fond memories.

1952 – Frederick J. “Fritz” Murzynski, May 5, 2025, served in the United States Army. He worked as a delivery driver for John V. Schultz Furniture.

1955 – Howard E. Dobmeier, pursued further education at Gannon University before serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Photography, becoming a Certified Professional Photographer, owner of Howard's Photography, yearbook photographer for Cathedral Prep for over 30 years, and was inducted into the Prep Hall of Fame.

1955 – Rev. John M. Fischer, March 4, 2025, attended Gannon College (now Gannon University) while in St. Mark Seminary. Fr. Fischer later received his master's in education from Gannon College and his master's in Christian spirituality from Creighton University, Omaha. He was ordained a priest on May 23, 1963, in St. Peter Cathedral, Erie, by The Most Reverend Edward P. McManamon. He began his priestly ministry as a Parochial Vicar for the parishes of Saint John the Baptist, Erie; Saint Brigid, Meadville; Holy Rosary, Johnsonburg; and Saint Joseph, Sharon. Father Fischer was appointed Pastor of Saint Raphael, Eldred, in 1975, a position he held until 1990 when he was named Pastor of Saint Matthew-in-the-Woods, Erie, and Saint Cyprian, Waterford. In 1996, He was appointed Pastor of Saint Lawrence, Albion, a position he held until his retirement in 2007. In retirement, he served briefly as the Parochial Administrator of Saint Hippolyte, Guys Mills. He enjoyed working in prison ministry, being involved in Cursillo, and connecting with brother priests through his Jesus Caritas Fraternity (a small priest group).

1955 – Joseph J. Kuhar Jr., May 22, 2025, earned a bachelor’s degree and MSW from Gannon College. He began his long military career in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at RAF Sculthorpe in England. Through four years of active duty and three years of active reserve duty, he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then served 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he obtained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and functioned as a special agent under the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. Most of Joseph’s time was spent with the 430th MP detachment, stationed in Erie. In civilian life, he developed sales proposals for the power plant industry for Copes Vulcan, Inc. in Lake City, Pennsylvania for 11 years. After earning his MSW, he became employed as a counselor for Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation in Erie for 24 years, helping Pennsylvania residents overcome their disabilities, develop career skills, and find meaningful employment opportunities. While working for the Bureau, he began a private vocational counseling practice, including providing expert testimony for court proceedings, as well as serving as a vocational expert for administrative law judges for the adjudication and review of the Social Security Administration. He retired from employment at the age of 72.

1956 – Joseph F. DeSanti, March 10, 2025, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Gannon College. He went on to serve in the United States Army. Joseph worked as the vice president for Security Peoples Bank.

1956 – Larrie F. Dudenhoeffer Sr., February 2, 2025, joined his uncle working for his grandfather’s family business, Klein Plating Works, in 1959. He held many roles throughout the years and eventually became the third-generation owner in 1981. He skillfully led the company through decades of growth until he stepped down as owner in 2013. Larrie continued to help the company up until his death by serving as an active member on its board of directors and as a valued advisor. His leadership and wisdom will be sorely missed.

1956 – Gerald “Jerry” Luthringer, March 26, 2025, served in the United States Army. Upon discharge, he was a heavy equipment operator and later Owner of Luthringer Excavating, Inc. in Erie until his retirement. Jerry was very active in the Boy Scouts, serving as scoutmaster for many years, and was honored with the St. George Medal.

1958 – Dr. Peter T. Jordano, May 16, 2025, proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, a role that reflected his unwavering sense of duty and honor. After his military service, Pete earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Case Western Reserve University. He served as a dentist for nearly 60 years, majority of which were spent serving the incarcerated. His patients, many of whom had never received proper dental treatment before, often left his chair not just with healthier smiles, but with a renewed sense of dignity. Pete believed that everyone deserved care, regardless of their past, and he practiced that belief with quiet conviction and steadfast kindness.

1958 – Robert R. Nowakowski, March 31, 2025, worked for many years and retired from Fenestra Corporation.

1960 – Raymond A. Fiorelli, February 11, 2025, graduated from Gannon University before earning a master’s degree in education from Fredonia State University. He dedicated 35 years to the Erie School District - specifically, Strong Vincent, Irving, and Jefferson - working his way up through the ranks of teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of curriculum before retiring in 2001. Not one to be idle for too long, Ray then worked for Mercyhurst University as a supervisor of student teaching.

1960 – Francis J. Karle Jr., January 9, 2025, served in the United States Navy and later in the Naval Reserves. Frank worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years as a letter carrier, retiring in 2001.

1960 – Daniel A. Shade Sr., February 7, 2025, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Gannon University. He worked as a founding manager of Kraft Lumber for over 40 years.

1961 – Dennis P. Scully, January 27, 2025, had a 60- year career in the construction business with Monarch Development, Odyssey Builders and Whipple Allen Construction.

1962 – Jerome J. Zawistoski, February 17, 2025, joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in California, where he spent the rest of his career working in the semi-conductor industry in Silicon Valley. Jerry loved being a part of the Air Force and spoke fondly of his time serving our country.

1963 – Austin C. Behan, Esq., May 3, 2025, received his B.S. from Indiana University of PA, his Master of Education from Edinboro University of PA, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1983. Austin began his law career in private practice in Winston-Salem and continued until his retirement in 2011. Prior to attending law school, Austin was employed by the School District of the City of Erie as a speech and hearing clinician and also as a school psychologist.

1963 – Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McSweeney, February 18, 2025, was educated in Erie at Gannon University. He earned his BA in philosophy at St. Bonaventure University in New York and completed his study for the priesthood at The Catholic University of America, earning both a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a master’s in drama. While still in school, he scripted and hosted the educational PBS series, Man Alive. Ordained on July 3, 1971, Msgr. McSweeney was assigned to Gannon University where he founded and chaired the Department of Theatre and Communication Arts, WERG-FM, WETG-TV (Channel 66), and the Erie Diocesan Communications Center. During that time and for nine consecutive years, he and life-long friend and colleague Monsignor Henry Kriegel celebrated the TV Mass for Shut-Ins each Sunday morning, live at WICU-TV. On loan from the Erie Diocese, Msgr. McSweeney taught at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. from 1991-1996, while completing his doctoral studies at College Park, Maryland. His scholarly work on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen appears in The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History and several academic journals. Msgr. McSweeney served as the national director of The Christophers, a Catholic media outreach headquartered in New York City, from 1996 to 2001. During that time, he hosted the nationally syndicated television program Christopher Close-up and wrote the internationally circulated newspaper column Light One Candle. From 2001 through 2015, Msgr. McSweeney frequently appeared as a religion analyst and commentator on MSNBC/NBC. The contract, arranged by colleague and friend Tim Russert, included live television analysis of the elections of two popes and the deaths of Pope St. John Paul II, John Kennedy, Jr, and Cardinal John O’Conner. MSNBC also turned to him as a prominent analyst of the appalling issues affecting the Catholic Church during the clerical sexual abuse crisis. Msgr. McSweeney also was known for his work on the stage, which began with his local involvement at the Erie Playhouse in 1957. His talents for acting and directing grew steadily at The Village Dinner Theatre, Mercyhurst Little Theatre, Gannon Theatre, and the Erie Playhouse; he played the lead in musicals and dramas and directed productions for 60 years. His theatrical experience extended to Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and the USO Branch of Entertainment in Germany. He taught American Drama in Poznan, Poland, for the State Department for 6 months in 1969 and 1970. Locally, his celebrated performance of Don Quixote in The Man of La Mancha was recreated in several productions with his co-star Patti Sullivan. His directorial favorites ranged from classical farce and Agatha Christie to Shakespeare, the most memorable being Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet at Gannon University. He also filled the post of theatre critic for three years at the Erie Daily Times’ “Weekender.” Monsignor frequently attributed the success of his ministerial work in communications and evangelization to these early foundational experiences in the theatre. Msgr. McSweeney served as sacramental assistant at the Erie parishes of St. Jude, Holy Rosary, and St. Mary, as well as St. Patrick Cathedral (New York City) and Holy Trinity in Georgetown, D.C. He also served as pastor in Erie at St. John the Baptist and Holy Trinity parishes in Erie, collaborating closely with his dear friend Deacon Marty Eisert at the latter. He was honored with the title of “Monsignor, Chaplain to His Holiness,” by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2000. Monsignor was a national board member of both the Catholic Press Association (CPA), and UNDA, the International Catholic Television and Film Association. He received several local and national awards for his service to the church through the media, in particular: the President’s Medal (CPA), the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Catholic University of America, the Archdiocese of New York’s Medal for Excellence in Catholic Media, and Erie’s Golden Rooster Award as “Ad Man of the Year.” In 2023, he received the Service to Journalism Award from the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the National Press Club. Before his retirement in 2014, Monsignor was the director of the Office of Communications for the Diocese of Erie and a member of the bishop’s administrative cabinet. With the incomparable assistance of Anne-Marie Welsh, he initiated Faith magazine and FaithLife newspaper as the premiere evangelization tools for the Diocese, revamped the diocesan website and brought the Catholic Church in northwest Pennsylvania into the digital age through social media and other tools. During his retirement, Msgr. McSweeney was appointed by Erie Bishop Lawrence Persico to the post of Postulator in the cause of the sainthood of Dr. Gertrude A. Barber; he remained actively involved in promoting Barber’s canonization until his death.

1964 – David J. Gustafson, February 15, 2025, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences in 1968 and his Master of Education degree in Natural Sciences/Biology in 1970, both from Gannon College. He began his teaching career at Villa Maria College in 1971 as director and assistant professor of biology. He was a beloved teacher and numerous medical professionals credit him with inspiring their careers. He retired in 2016 after 45 years at Villa Maria College/Gannon University. Among the many hats he wore were Director of Pre-Physical Therapy, Director of Pre-Pharmacy, and Chair of the Biology Department, which he held for 17 years. He also served on many committees and helped lead United Way campaigns on campus. In 1999, Gustafson was the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award and in 2014 he was given the Bishop Persico “Veritas in Caritate” Award for exemplifying faith, hope and love both in and out of the Gannon community. He was also an Emeritus member of the Gannon University faculty. He received a Sears Teaching Excellence Award and was designated SGA teacher of the month in February 2001.

1966 – John W. Rensel, May 11, 2025, attended the University of Detroit. Not straying far from things automotive, John owned and operated several local service stations in the mid-70s with business partners Thomas Rehberg and Peter Bailey, both trusted associates and true lifelong friends, moving to petroleum manufacturing at Gulf & Western, and then to automotive parts manufacturing at Erie Press Systems, Kaiser Aluminum, Schuler Inc. before rounding out his professional career as part owner of Femco Machine in Punxsutawney, PA. After his retirement, he opened a small auto repair and State Inspection shop in his backyard garage near Punxsutawney and was instrumental in founding Alternative Fuel Solutions of PA, before health issues precluded his further involvement in both ventures. He returned home to Erie, where he worked as a delivery driver for Advance Auto Parts until his health forced a third and final retirement. In his professional prime, he was the leading authority in the Eastern United States on aluminum presses, having been contracted by Ford Motor Co. and many other industry leaders to consult on their equipment.

1967 – Michael G. Kaleina, April 9, 2025, attended Saint Vincent College, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He was a safety coordinator for Right of Way Clearing and Midwest Underground and previously worked as an Aflac agent.

1968 – Ralph Jeremiah “Jerry” Deck Jr., March 16, 2025, graduated from Penn State University (BA) and Baldwin Wallace University (MBA). He was the CFO of Teleco Industries in the Cleveland area. Jerry also was somewhat of an entrepreneur, creating and building his own companies.

1968 – Thomas P. Dedinsky, January 4, 2025, was a graduate of Penn State University. He worked as a carpenter until his retirement.

1970 – Patrick P. Czytuck, March 10, 2025, received his BS in Mathematics from Gannon College in 1974. His professional career began at St. John Kanty Prep (Erie, PA), where he taught a variety of subjects and coached football and baseball. In 1980, he returned to his high school alma mater where he began a legendary career as a math teacher and coach. Coach Czy's name is synonymous with Cathedral Prep football. For an astounding 43 years, he served the program under five different head coaches, marking a period of service longer than any other coach at any level, in any sport, in the history of Cathedral Prep athletics. He is the only individual to coach in all nine of the program's state championship appearances, including the five triumphant state title wins in 2000, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018.  He mentored many younger coaches and was a true coach’s coach.  He also coached baseball and track & field during his more than four decades of service. His contributions were recognized with inductions into the Cathedral Prep Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021, the Metro Erie Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, and the N.W.P.F.C.A. Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2017, honors befitting his profound impact on the Cathedral Prep and Erie communities. Beyond the gridiron, Pat was a respected and long-tenured member of the Cathedral Prep Math Department, where he taught from 1980 to 2022. He often tutored students who needed help before and after school hours giving selflessly of his time.  His commitment to the school was unparalleled. He supported thousands of young men and women through his roles as both a teacher and coach, exemplifying true integrity, dedication, and service to all who knew him.

1971 – John F. “Cork” Smerick, March 26, 2025, went into the Air Force before coming home to Erie and working for Kim Kraft Inc. as a master printer in Erie, PA for over 20 years.

1973 – Gary T. Cieslak, March 29, 2025, received his bachelor’s degree in business from Youngstown State University. He worked at Preston Trucking for 15 years as a dock supervisor, then became a franchise owner of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service in Hermitage, PA.

1973 – Stephen M. Koster, June 2, 2025, worked at Rehrig Pacific as a machinist. To find Stephen, all you had to do was follow the music. Live music was the thread that bound his life together. He spent many great weekends running sound for local bands such as Easy & Rhythm Method. In his retirement, he would spend his time refurbishing and repairing old speakers and turntables. He could fix or tinker on anything and everything and loved giving things new life.

1976 – David V. Earick, April 19, 2025, earned a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree, a Master of Science graduate degree, and a Certificate of Achievement in the field of Gerontology from Gannon University. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and Army.

1978 – Dr. Joseph H. Cieslak, December 13, 2024, was a US Air Force veteran. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon University (1984), his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Ohio State University College of Dentistry (1990), and a specialized certification in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery from the Medical University of South Carolina.

1978 – Philip J. Marnella, April 8, 2025, was the Human Resource Director at Grimm Industries where he dedicated his Career with 30 years of service. Phil loved being involved in the Erie Baseball community, especially in his roles spent with Erie Thunder, Erie Legion & Villa Maria Academy.

1978 – Richard E. Onslow, January 30, 2025, worked at Seaway Aluminum and Sanner Office Supply for much of his career. He most recently worked at Motel Six as a manager.

1980 – John L. Caporale, March 18, 2025, graduated from Gannon University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He held many senior engineering roles at Wabtec, GE Transportation, GE Nuclear and Emerson Power and Water. He worked on locomotives, nuclear equipment and software programs. John was a very smart guy, earning a patent or two along the way.

1980 – Jeffrey G. Ferrick, May 17, 2025, worked at C.J.’s Hardware Store while attending high school, Jeff, mostly at the Kearsarge location. Upon graduation, Jeff worked at UTEK, assisting in repairs following gas line installations, for several years before joining his father as an owner and operator of Joe Ferrick and Son’s Excavating. After his dad’s death, Jeff continued the business with his brother, Andy, until recently. While self-employed, Jeff also worked part-time snowplowing with Girard Township. He eventually joined the road crew full-time in 2017 and became roadmaster in 2021. He loved his new role, as well as his co-workers and clients, and he held this position until the time of his death.

1987 – Thomas D. Hall, March 5, 2025, graduated Cum Laude from Case Western Reserve University in 1990 and Duquesne School of Law in 1993. He was admitted to both the Pennsylvania and West Virginia Bars in 1994. He had a successful career as a lawyer, specializing in workers’ compensation and personal injury. Thomas was the most dedicated and hardworking man and went above and beyond for his clients.

2011 – Jacob L. McLaughlin, March 25, 2025, attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where he graduated in 2015 with a BA in Political Science. He had a passion for politics, having started his career as a Data/Analytics Coordinator for Persinger for Mayor Campaign before moving to Washington, DC where he worked as a manager for the Congressional Leadership Fund. Jacob was currently working at National Public Affairs as a Digital Account Marketing Manager.