Obituary of Donald G. Petri

Donald G. “Don” “Papa Putz” Petri, age 87, of Millcreek Twp., passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Erie on February 23, 1929, the son of the late George L. and Eva Brandenburg Petri. He was employed at Hammermill Paper, Sealtest Foods, was a self-employed woodworker and home remodeler, and co-owned and operated Kitchens by Meade. In his retirement he enjoyed driving a school bus for the Millcreek Twp. School District. He also volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels with his wife, and made wooden toys for children at the Santa’s Helpers workshop in Erie. Don was always very active with family and life-long friends. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, challenging himself with his daily crossword puzzles, and was devoted to his wife “Cookie.” He will be remembered with fondness by all who knew him for his fun loving and teasing sense of humor. Don is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Marilyn R. Fish Petri, his children: Diane Canfield (Nolan), Rick Petri (Doreen), Sharon Bannon (Kevin), and Katie Petri Rathers. Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Jennie Vaughn (Jake), Andrew Canfield (Heather), Michael Canfield (Shelley), Sarah Petri, Lindsay Petri Tomes (Jeremy), Jessica Walters (Matt), Kaylin Keller (Jeff), Abby and Jack Rathers, and nine great-grandchildren. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.