Daniel E. Wingerter

Vaya Con Dios

Daniel E. Wingerter, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, businessman, and outdoorsman, passed away on Sunday morning, January 25, 2015, at UMPC-Hamot Hospital, after a period of declining health.

Dan was born in Erie, on November 27, 1929, son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth Hopkins Wingerter.

When Dan was five years old, his father, proprietor of the Wingerter Boot Shop on Peach Street, passed away, leaving his widow, Elizabeth, to raise Dan and his younger sister, Nancy. Dan developed a strong work ethic at an early age, his first job delivering magazines. He attended St. Joseph School and later Cathedral Prep, from which he graduated in 1947. Dan was a proud Prep alum and met for monthly lunches with his classmates. He attended Gannon College. After high school, his family suggested that Dan learn a trade. He became a steamfitter working for Flaherty & Hillbert.

Dan served in the Navy for two years, in the North Atlantic, during the Korean War.

He worked most of his career in the packaging industry, starting as a salesman at Presque Isle Paper Company. In 1970, he and a partner left to start Paragon Packaging Products, Inc. He eventually became the sole owner. Dan was a gentleman. He set the bar high for his employees, leading by example in his professionalism and ethics in business. Dan was a founding member of the AICC, the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters. This organization was formed to protect the interests of independent box companies. He retired in December 2012.

Dan was a life member of the Erie Maennerchor Club, as were his father and grandfather. Most days you could find him having lunch in the Grill Room with "The Intelligencia."

Many of Dan's hobbies and interests revolved around nature. His family spent countless summer days and holiday weekends at their camp. Both family and friends have fond memories of those times. Deer hunting was a favorite pastime, in both Pennsylvania and out West. He also spent many days in a duck blind on the peninsula. Dan was the founder of the Erie Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. You could find him in the grouse woods of Pennsylvania or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Dan was a skilled carpenter and avid reader. He was a Republican committee man in his earlier years. He also served on the Erie County Library Board. Dan was a founding member of Holy Cross Parish, and was on the original building committee. He and his wife Barbara traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. Together they visited Africa, South America, Europe, New Zealand, Egypt, and India. They loved to take their grandchildren on "educational" summer road trips around the country.

Dan is survived by his wife Barbara Killmer, his sister Nancy Burkhart (Joe) of Michigan, a cousin Joseph Kress of South Carolina, daughter Linda Susko (Paul) of Fairview, son Daniel Wingerter Jr. (Linda) of Wattsburg, daughters Judy Wingerter and Vicki Wiesner (Chris) of Erie. In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren, Nathan, Peter, Hannah, Benjamin, Kathryn, Lucy, Oliver, Meredith, and Annie. He also had three step-grandchildren, Rebekah, Zachary, and Colton.

Dan was known for his sense of humor, optimistic spirit and for living in the moment. He had a unique and clever, straightforward manner of speaking. He leaves us a legacy of faith, hard work, and unconditional love.

Friends may call at Holy Cross Church, 7100 West Ridge Road, in Fairview, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and are invited to attend a funeral mass there on Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505, Holy Cross Church, 7100 West Ridge Rd, Fairview, PA 16415, or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements were handled by Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. East, Girard. Condolences may be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhomes.com.

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