Donald E. Lewis, 79, of Warren, PA and Findley Lake, NY, died peacefully Friday morning, May 22, 2015 at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born in Harborcreek, PA on January 5, 1936. He was the son of Harry and Mary Connor Lewis. He was a graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School, Erie, PA., and attended Gannon University and Slippery Rock College. He was a graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and has been a licensed funeral director for 54 years. At the age of 15, he started working for C.J. Dusckas, of Dusckas Funeral Home, Erie, PA. In 1972 he opened the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, working there until 1998, when he retired and sold to his son and daughter-in-law. Funeral Directing was not a job to him, it was his calling in life, Don, felt it was a privilege to be of service to people in their time of need. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed boating, spending time at his cottage on Findley Lake and wintering in Madeira Beach, FL. He was a member of the Warren Moose Lodge 109, Warren Eagles Aerie, Warren Knights of Columbus bowling league. He had an intense sense of humor known by many friends and family and was affectionately known to some as John Bears for Tipton and Digger.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, his best friend and lifelong companion, Sandra “Sandy” Miller Lewis whom he married on June 24, 1961 in Erie, PA. , 2 Sons – Michael B. Lewis and wife, Lisa of Warren, PA., Scott S. Lewis and wife, Wanda of Sugar Grove, PA., 1 Daughter – Kimberley A. Mihalko and husband, Larry of Gilbertsville, PA., 1 Brother – Harry Lewis of Corpus Christi, TX., 4 Grandchildren – Jeremy Lewis and wife, Taryne of Pittsfield, PA., Crystal Lewis and fiance, Zach DeVault of Warren, PA., Tiffany and Jordan Mihalko of Gilbertsville, PA, 1 Step Grandson – Brandon Bobelak and his wife, Tara of Port Orange, FL., 3 Great Grandchildren – Blake and Maddyn Lewis, Emily Marie Bobelak, 1 Aunt, Irene Lewis of Edinboro, PA., and several cousins. He leaves behind many cherished friends from Warren, Erie, PA., Findley Lake, NY and Canada. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one of his best friends, Casey, his English spaniel.
Friends may call at the family home, 304 East Street, Warren, PA on Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. by Fr. James Gutting, Pastor and his personal friend, Rev. Marcus Briggs, Chaplain of the Warren General Hospital. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hunt of a Lifetime, 6297 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA., 16421 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Street, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Condolences to all of the Lewis family; Don will be greatly missed. Throughout my life, I have had several occasions to interact with Don, and I can say every one was a pleasure. From attending funerals, being a tenant, or just chance meetings, he was always a person who seemed to enjoy life. He’ll be meeting up with a lot of old friends today, they’ll be standing in line to see him. Love and God Bless.
Sandy, so sorry for your loss to you and your family. If there’s anything I can do please let me know. You and Don were such good friends, and he will be missed. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Everything said is true. Don Lewis was an amazing spiritual man. I will never forget him. I love you. Mike and all family members. God bless you with comfort and peace at the difficult time. I’m praying for him and all the loved ones he left behind.
When we were crushed by sadness, Don did not try to lift us up. Rather, he smoothed our path, so that we could deal with the pain, revisit the good memories, reconnect with friends and family. He was always good-humored, but never gauche. He combined his humor and zest for life with a true sensitivity to our feelings, turning a need for his professional services into an opportunity for us to make a new friend: Him. His hand on my shoulder helped me to see through my tears on many occasions. Now, my wish for his family and friends is that you feel our hands on your shoulders, smoothing your path. God bless you, and God welcome Don.
So sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was a great man and I remember how well he always treated everyone he met. My parents loved him and Sandy! Many sympathies to the family. Words can’t express how deeply saddened I am to hear of your loss.. God bless you all!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will never forget the kindness he provided to our family in our time of need. He and your family were so caring and kind to us for years beyond. I am sure he recieved a very warm greeting from everyone in Heaven for the warmth and comfort he provided the many families he dealt with. I am sure my dad was the first in line. I will keep you all in my prayers so that you may have strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Mike, Lisa, and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a great man. He will be missed by many. He leaves behind a legacy that you will all remember fondly and with love.
Mike and Lisa-
I was sorry to read of your Father’s death, and can only hope, that you have people around you to give you the same comfort you gave my family, when we lost my brother Mark, and Mom and Dad.
peace and a smile-
Sheila
Sorry for your loss, Sandy. I remember all the times we would sit in the kitchen and talk about everything. I surely will miss Don, and will pray for all of you. God bless you in abundance of love. Father Jack
Dear Mike, Lisa and family,
So sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during the next few days.
Sincerely,
Dave and Judy Meyer
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you all. Ivan and Missy Smith, Pegi (Riquer) and Wayne Campbell
Sandy,Don and I send our deepest condolences to you and the family,Digger always had a smile and a joke for us,all of his Madeira Norte friends will miss him terribly.Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to Sandy and her family. Don was a great person and I am sure he will be truly missed. He was so very kind to Vince and I many years ago with our loss. You are at peace now.
I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. God blessed you with a kind and caring man who touched so many lives. I will always hold dear the friendship our families shared over the years. May the memories of all of the happy times you shared together and the memory of a life well lived comfort you during this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sandy and the entire Lewis family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on Don’s passing. He consoled many families during his lifetime, and did it so well. I will always remember his love and caring in our time of need. He had a great smile and sense of humor. I will remember you all in my prayers. God bless you all. May your memories comfort you.
Wilma
Our deepest sympathy to Sandy, Mike and all the Lewis family. Don and I were Erie natives and fellow graduates of Cathedral Prep. We last saw Don in September when visiting Warren. What a great guy and family man. We have nothing but warm and happy memories of times spent together. He will be missed but will remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant him eternal life and happiness.
Frank and Bertha Stroker
North Port, FL
To the Lewis family,
Our sincere condolences the the passing of your husband and father. Don was there to comfort our families many times through the years. He was a pillar in the Warren community and will be remembered as such. He now lives in a better place, however, we truly share your sorrow during this difficult time. God bless Don and the Lewis family.
Prayers go out from my family to your, My God bless you, in yout time of sorrow,,,,as you did my family in out time,, ( Studd) . ( Thompson) ( Slauaganhopt) (Hanna) thank you for all you have done, God bless Don and the Lewis family.
Thinking of your family with love and prayer. Thinking of times, way back, when you owned the camp next to our home on the hill. God Bless you all.
Sandy, Mike and Lisa and your family so sorry for the loss of your husband and dad. He was a great man and I had many good laughs with him. As Sandy and Mike know Don and I shared the same birthday, Jan 5 but I would always tell him all good people were born on Jan 5.. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Don.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss! ! Your family has been a blessing for others in their time of need, god bless you and give you peace!
Sandy, Mike, Lisa, and family we’re very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. The Lewis family was always there for us through very difficult times. We pray that God will help you through your time of need.
Jill and Marty
So sorry to hear of your loss! God bless your entire family and may He consol your hearts at this trying time. Rest In Peace, Don.
Our sincere sympathies. Know that our prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Sandy, we are so sorry to hear of Dons passing. He and you are a pillar in our community. We so enjoyed our time with you guys at your cottage last year. Our prayers go out for your family now as we know Don is with his family, many friends and our Lord Jesus who, we are sure has said ,”Well done my faithful servent.”
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you’re family and friends, Lewis family
Sandy and family,
I am sad to hear od Don’s passing. Happy that I will remember all the smiles and laughs on his April visit to Maderia.
My thioughts and prayers with all of you!
Sue & Mike
Mike and Lisa, I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers being sent your way.
Mike and Lisa,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. He was such a kind man and always had an infectious smile! You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy (Shanshala) Stout
Mike –
Jen and I are very sorry for your loss. I’m hopeful everyone around you brings you the same level of comfort and support that your family has brought so many over the years.
Condolences –
Bob & Jen Dilks
Was saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I will always remember his sense of humor and ear to ear grin. My condolences to the whole family at this time.
Deepest condolences to the Lewis family. Mr. Lewis was so kind and compassionate. I know Warren will miss his contributions to the community but his family will continue to carry on his legacy.
We lived across 3rd Avenue and got to know him also as a neighbor. We went trick or treating there (in ’88 or ’89) and he dressed up as a scarecrow with the basket of treats in his lap. He jumped up when we reached for a treat. Scared the daylights out of my sister and I! I think I’ve told that story hundreds of times! It always brings a smile to my face thinking if that.
Prayers of peace and comfort !
Jennifer
Mike and Family,
We are so sorry to hear the news of Don’s passing. We were out of town for the week-end and found out today. It was a pleasure to know him and I will appreciate all of his advise that he has shared with me. Casey has her master back…….. Prayers to you all. Scott and Cookie.
Dear Sandy and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a special caring person. I remember he canceled his fishing trip to be there for my family when he knew Rick only had a few days left and how he was there for me after Sallies accident. He did his calling well for every family that came through your home. He always said when Rick took his last $20 for a jan e and he won the grand prize of $1000 that changed his luck and business pick up. Probably not true but they can argue about that now. Polly and Family
Dear Lewis Family,
My deepest sympathy to all your family. I will always remember and appreciate the kindness, support, comfort, and care your family(especially Don, Mike & Lisa) has given many of my family members in our times of need!! Soon may the beautiful memories out weigh the sorrow and comfort you. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amy Scalise and Family (Erie, PA)
We are so sorry to hear that your dad has passed. We were out of town and I want to send our condolences. Your dad will be missed. He was a very special person.
Our deepest condolences to the Lewis family.
He will be truly missed by all and I am thankful
I had the opportunity to see him 2 weeks ago.
He will always be Donald E., FD
Rest in Peace
Mike and family,
Knew your dad since he moved to Warren. We are sad and will miss him. He was agreat guy. Our sincere condolences to you.
Alex & Cindi
You all are in our prayers at this difficult time. He was a most compassionate man and eased the sorrow of so many. We know this loss will be eased by friends and family who wrap their arms around you and have you in their thoughts and prayers.
Mike, Lisa, Sandy & Family, our thoughts and prayers have been with you during your loss. Don was so very caring during our losses and we very much appreciated his kindness. May your memories give you comfort.
Barb & Dick White