Allen Retkowski

Allen Retkowski Allen Retkowski, beloved husband, father, and uncle, entered his rest peacefully on Thurs., Nov. 22, 2007 due to natural causes. Allen was born on March 13, 1954 in San Diego, Ca., the second of three boys to the late Edward John Retkowski and Wilma Dolnack Retkowski McKeeton. As a member of a Navy family, Allen lived in many places as a child, including California, Hawaii, Norfolk, Va., Rhode Island, and Erie. He was a proud graduate of Academy High School, class of 1972. It was there he developed his enthusiasm for sports, mainly football, playing for Academy throughout high school as an all-star linebacker. He loved the game of football, and later played for the Erie Jets. After graduation, he entered the Navy serving for four years during the Vietnam Conflict, mostly on board ship as a boatswain's mate. He also spent a year as a radioman on Midway Island. It was during this time he developed a love for the sea and ships. After returning to Erie, Allen pursued a study of the Bible, even volunteering his time to assist others to learn more about God. His other passions included Pittsburgh Steelers football, hunting, fishing, camping with his family, movies, cars, and most of all his family. In his later years, Allen suffered from a number of ailments and was in constant pain much of the time. Yet, he continued to work long hours to provide for his family. He was employed for many years in the automobile service industry, as a manager at Hallmans and BP ProCare, and for the past eleven years as a service advisor at Rick Weaver Buick. Through his knowledge, experience, honesty and integrity, he earned the respect and loyalty of numerous customers. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gloria Taylor Retkowski; his three sons, Matthew, Elliott and David, all of Erie; his younger brother, Gary of Erie; and his two nieces, Jessica McNally of Boston and Jennifer Retkowski of Erie, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas. The family welcomes visitors who wish to express their condolences to call Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St., from 2 to 4 p.m. and are invited to a memorial service immediately following at 4 p.m. Mr. Michael G. Schwindt, Elder, of the Grandview Park Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses will officiate. Memorials may be made to the family through the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St., Erie, PA 16502. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits