All Obituaries

Rosina “Rose” (Fidanza) Bujnowski passed away at her home on August 7, 2020.  We are saddened by her passing, although we know she is at peace. Rose was born to Marcelo Fidanza and Sarafina Tocci in New York City where she was one of six children.  She met and married Edward Bujnowski there when he was in the Navy while she worked at Grand Central Station.  They came to Erie and she lived here the rest of her life where she retired from Glenn Electric. Rose is...

James Dean Edwards, age 72, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at LECOM Presque Isle Nursing & Rehabilitation.  He was born in Erie on August 9, 1947 to the late James Smith and Essie Walker. James earned an Associate’s Degree in Engineering from Triangle Tech, then worked as a cab driver with Yellow Cab, and later was a dispatcher for GECAC.  In his younger days, he played softball in the Roger Young league, coached youth baseball and football, enjoyed...

Deltwan “Don Piff” Keyes, age 29, of Erie, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 3, 2020. He was born in Erie on April 29, 1991 to Henry Ray Keyes and Tonya Beason. Deltwan was a fun loving person and was fun to be around and enjoyed spending time with his family.  He also liked to play football and was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. In addition to his parents, Deltwan is survived by his daughter Ammira Keyes and her mother Alisha Darcie and son D’mari Keyes and his...

Ralph Porfilio, Jr., age 70, of Randleman, NC, passed away on July 13, 2020 at his home.  He was born in Erie on August 13, 1949 to the late Ralph Porfilio, Sr., and Josephine SanFelice Plonski. Ralph served his country in the US Navy, loved riding motorcycles, and owned and operated his own martial arts studio.  He was also a member of the Lower Eastside Federation where he was the Assistant Coach under Vince Christiano from 1979-2000, and he was the Athletic Director of the...

Frank Wasielewski, age 68, or Erie, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020 at UPMC Hamot.  He was born on September 6, 1951 to the late Joseph E. and Lillian (Nitkiewicz) Wasielewski. Frank retired as a welder from GE and was a member of the Sons of Lake Erie.  He enjoyed fishing and was proud of his military service in the Navy. In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Clair Vance, and brother-in-law, Martin Karpik. He...

Michael D. “Killer Bee” Ernst, Sr., age 58, of Millcreek, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at UPMC Hamot from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.  He was born in Erie on August 15, 1961 to the late William C. Ernst, Sr. and Wilma J. (Ponzy) Daniels. Michael enjoyed boxing and was a two-time Golden Glove Champion, earning him the nickname “Killer Bee”, and he was inducted into the Lower East Side Federation’s Hall of Fame.  He served his...

Johnette (Robinson) Noble Kent, age 69, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2020 at LECOM Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born in Erie on March 10, 1951 to the late John W. and Agnes (Visnosky) Robinson. Johnette was a member of numerous local social clubs, including the Polish Falcons Nest 610, where she earned the “Silver Legion of Honor” designation.  After graduating from Gannon College, she was the assistant manager of McCrory’s in the...

Edward J. Slivinski, age 96, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Ball Pavilion.  He was born in Instanter, PA on December 21, 1923 to the late Walter and Camilla (Halicki) Slivinski.   In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alba M. (Dadi) Slivinski, four sisters, Sophia Kotoski, Gertrude Slivinski, Wanda Slivinski, and Sister Mary Augustine (birth name Blanche Slivinski), and six brothers, Victor Slivinski,...

Ruby L. Martin Gaines, RN passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday June 4, 2020,  at the age of 103.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Missie T.  Cooper Martin Crittenden & father, Bynum Martin. After graduating from Erie East High School, she went on to study in New York City & graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing. She then served for 20 years as a neurology nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital of NYC before...

Carol Ann King, age 65, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at UPMC Hamot.  She was born in Erie on June 23, 1954 to the late Alex and Erma (Troutman) Jankowski. Carol enjoyed playing with her dogs Sadie and Pebbles, enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, and watching reality TV. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Danny King, Sr. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Danny King, Jr. (Theresa) of Erie, daughters Stephanie Donnell...