Obituary of Phil Fatica

Phil Fatica, age 75, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, December 6, 2015. He was the son of the late Philip and Florence (Mozdy) Fatica. Phil was born on November 9, 1940 in Erie Pennsylvania and remained a lifelong resident of the area. A graduate of Academy High School, he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Edinboro University. Phil’s professional career included education, broadcasting, and political office. He taught English and directed wonderful productions at Harborcreek High School and later returned to the classroom where he developed and taught classes in broadcasting and media at East High School. He served as an adjunct faculty member at Mercyhurst and Edinboro Universities for many years and will be remembered as a caring and engaging teacher. Phil will be recognized by many as a local TV and radio personality. His varied roles in local broadcasting included WJET Radio where he was known as Phil Adams, sportscaster with WICU TV, news anchor with WSEE TV, and hosted a variety of shows with WQLN and local cable access. Phil won a number of Associated Press awards while at WICU. He was recently elected to his third term on Erie County Council and was an active member of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Councilman Fatica was a dedicated public servant who carefully studied each issue and arrived at solutions to best serve the community. He was a long- suffering Cleveland Browns fan and avid equally long- suffering golfer. Phil was proud to have played on the first Little League team in Erie. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Kathy Adams Fatica and his two daughters Stacy (Jim) Semancik from Wadsworth, Ohio and Alison (Adam) Hyland of Woodstown, New Jersey. Beloved grandchildren include Cameron and Ryan Semancik and Ava and Greyson Hyland along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Friday, December 11 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 130 East 4th Street. Interment will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc., 4105 Asbury Rd., Erie, PA 16506, Young Artists Debut Orchestra (YADO), 225 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501-1367, WQLN, 8425 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509, or to the charity of one’s choice. Phil