Obituary of Neal Bruce Fourspring

Neal Bruce Fourspring Neal Bruce Fourspring, 95, of Erie Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 14, 2017 at Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge. Neal was the youngest child of Charles Fourspring and Thora Gingrich. He was just recently preceded in death by his wife Phyllis on February 28th and earlier by his brothers: John, Carl and David Fourspring and by his sister Beatrice Fourspring Becker. Neal was born in Erie on March 8, 1922. He graduated from Academy High School in 1939 and was a tool and die apprentice at Johnson Metal in Erie. He later joined the Army Air Corps and served as an Air Cadet during World War II. Afterwards he attended Penn State University in State College, PA on the GI Bill and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Neal worked as a mechanical engineer at Erie Resistor and later at Elgin Electronics in Waterford, PA as their Chief Mechanical Engineer. He holds several US patents for his engineering work. Neal was an avid pilot and owned his own Piper Cub and Luscombe Silvaire. He was a flight instructor and taught many others the joy of flying. Neal was also an avid boater and built his first boat, a small power runabout, in 1955. As a long-time member and Commander of the US Power Squadron he taught the Meterology course for several years to area boaters. Neal received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the US Power Squadron for his many years of service. Neal fell madly in love with Phyllis Baerle at age 17 when he walked her home from Academy High School. They were married on August 3, 1946 and had 78 years of true love together. They loved the water and Neal and Phyllis spent many years boating and socializing with friends at the Erie Yacht Club. Neal was a self-taught musician, mastering the piano and accordion. As a young man, he played in several combos in Erie clubs and gatherings. He was also an avid winemaker and a member of the Erie Toastmasters. Neal is survived by his son Donald Fourspring, his daughter-in-law Kathleen Fourspring, his daughter Neala Eastman and his son-in-law Jeffrey Eastman. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren: Andrew (Hazel) Fourspring, Keith (Kristen) Fourspring, Christian Ferralli and Ian Ferralli. Neal has 8 great-grandchildren: Fabian, Farah, Hannah, Finley, Tessa, Feabie, Fenton and Beau. Neal was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church. A memorial gathering for all friends and family will be held on Tuesday, April 25th from 4pm until 7:30 pm at Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Robert Lewis there at 6:30 pm.