Stephen J. Chludzinski

Stephen J. Chludzinski, age 64, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2011 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Erie on August 6, 1946, son of the late Stephen F. and Lois M. Seroka Chludzinski. He was a 1964 graduate of Tech Memorial High School. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving under President Lyndon B. Johnson in White House Communications at Camp David. Steve dedicated 26 years of his life to the Erie Police Department, retiring in the motorcycle division. Steve obtained his Masters Degree attending Mercyhurst College and Edinboro University achieving dean's list status. He taught at several local and out-of-state schools. Most recently, he worked for the Erie County Adult Probation department as a probation officer. Steve was a member of the American Legion Post #571, the Gem City Gun Club, and an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, gardening, martial arts, motorcycles, marksmanship, his boxer dogs and salt water aquarium, and was proud of attracting and maintaining the blue bird population in his yard. He was known as a font of useless and unusual knowledge which aided him with his entertaining stories. Survivors include his daughter, Amy Swartz and husband, Kevin of Erie and their daughter Victoria; a son, Stephen J. Chludzinski of Powhatan, Va.; and his first wife, Barbra E. Hackathorn of Erie. He is also survived by two sisters, Diane Biondi and husband Michael of Cicero, N.Y., Marilyn Barninger and husband, Jim; a brother, Phillip Chludzinski, all of Erie; step-daughter, Michelle Bertram and husband, Paul, and their children, Juliette, of Erie, Katherine and Alex. Many nieces, nephews, friends and his beloved dog, Maggie also survive. At Steve's request, no calling hours will be observed. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501.