Donald J. "Don" Laughner

Donald J. "Don" Laughner, 77, of Erie, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Hamot Medical Center. He was born July 16, 1932, in Cranberry Twp., Pa., son of the late Judd and Mary Algoe Laughner. Don had resided in Erie for most of his life. He was a 1950 graduate of the former Wesleyville High School. Don was a US Army veteran who had served during the Korean War. He had been employed by General Electric Co. for over 25 years prior to his retirement in 1998 and was a member of the G.E. Quarter Century Club and the Retiree's Assn. Don was an avid bowler and was a member of two bowling leagues. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, antique cars, and was an avid Washington Redskins football fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Lucille Laughner; and one sister, Nancy Ropelewski. Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Langowski Laughner; seven children, Susan Smith (Scott) of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Kathleen Hart (Michael) of Erie, Gary Laughner (Gail) of Erie, Christine Lindsey of Memphis, Tenn., Mark Laughner (Corky) of Erie, Timothy Laughner of Memphis, Tenn. and Mary Grace Jude of Erie; three sisters, Barbara Bobango of Melbourne, Fla., Rhea Rick of Erie, and Janny Brown of Erie; 20 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. No calling hours will be observed. Private funeral services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the A.N.N.A. Shelter, 1555 E. 10th St., Erie, PA 16511. The Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Rd. is handling funeral arrangements. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.