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3801 W. 26th St.
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Peter Traphagen Obituary
He was born on August 30, 1933, in Erie, Pa., son of Clarence and Mary Lois Traphagen, and stepson of William J. Hanley.
He graduated from Millcreek High School in 1951. He received a B.S. in Engineering from Yale University in 1956, where he was also a member of the Skull and Crossbones Society. He served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant.
He was a former owner of Custom Engineering Company and Hanley Postal Supply Company. Peter was a lifelong sailor, and a longtime member and Past Commodore of the Erie Yacht Club. He traveled the Great Lakes extensively on Sojourner and received the Great Lakes Cruising Award. Peter enjoyed playing the piano and shared his love of Jazz music by hosting many memorable Jazz parties. He was a great father and a good man, and he will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and the light of his life, Lorna.
He is survived by children, Katie Traphagen of Billerica, Mass., Sandy Traphagen and Ron Costantini of Erie, Pa., and Patrick and Michelle Traphagen of Erie, Pa., and grandchildren, Morgan and Mitchell Costantini and Jonathan and Jacob Traphagen. He is further survived by his siblings, Michael and Dianne Traphagen of Fremont, N.H., Eric Traphagen and Brigit Britton of Stuart, Fla., and Susie Hanley and daughter Ryan Alcini and family of Newport News, N.C.,
Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave.), on Sunday from 12 to 2 p.m.
Calling will continue at the Erie Yacht Club, 1 Ravine Drive, Erie, PA 16505, from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Great Lakes Hospice, 1700 Peach Street St. #244, Erie, PA 16501, or to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087.
Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Traphagen
Bob Way Jr
November 3, 2016
Pete was a good man and a friend who was always willing to help if you needed it. I'll Miss him
Vickey, Ron and Renee' Vargo
October 31, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Steve and Linda (First) Frisina
October 31, 2016
Katie, Sandy, Patrick, and family, we send our deepest sympathy on your father's passing. We have many wonderful memories of family gatherings at the lovely W. Lake home throughout the years. Your dear parents were always so welcoming and they will never be forgotten.
Love and prayers,
October 31, 2016
My condolences to the family. We knew Pete in high school and the EYC Joan and Paul Davis?
Jennifer First-Wilkes
October 31, 2016
So sorry to hear of Pete's passing. I will think of him finally being with Aunt Lorna once again - he's been without her light and presence for so long. I'll never forget the privilege of enjoying his beautiful sailboat with him and Sandy. Those were some good times and never will be forgotten.... Love and Warm thoughts to all of the family.
Aubrey Dillon
October 30, 2016
I will miss my friend Pete. What a wonderful man. He was a gift to the world of Jazz. He would always say to me "mi casa is su casa". My sincere condolences to his family. A true sailor. Tonight I will light a candle for Pete and smile with some Jazz in the background.
Gerry Cairns
October 29, 2016
The obit reads that Lorna was the 'light of his life.' That is so true, but Pete was always happy to fade into the background while Lorna took the foreground. His generosity with his friends knew no bounds yet he would shy away from expressions of gratitude. A 'man's man,' a good husband, a good father, and a great friend. We will miss you Pete.
Ted, Carolyn, Jodie & Nicole
October 29, 2016
Mr. Traphagen was a customer of ours for years and years. He was always so sweet and kind to us. We are fortunate to have known him. Sandy, Ron and the rest of the Traphagen family, our sympathy is with you during this difficult time.
Ann Marie McKean
October 29, 2016
Sandy & Ron, I am deeply and sincerely sorry for your loss. I always admired Pete. He was so intelligent and talented. I will always remember how handsome he'd be in uniform. I'm sure he's with his beloved Lorna. I will miss him as we all will indeed. His contributions to life were many.
Love, Ann Marie McKean
October 29, 2016
The world is a better place because of Peter Traphagen. He has changed so many lives in so many beautiful ways. He is a man of great honor and will be missed. Rest in peace Peter as you continue the sail. Blessings always, Nancy Bird-Blackwood
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