Richard J. Whitman

Richard J. Whitman, age 46, of Erie, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Born in Erie, April 17, 1968, he was a son of the late Richard Dominic Whitman and the late Andrea Mae (Macosco) Whitman-Bracco.

Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during Desert Storm. He worked as a welder at G.E. Transportation and enjoyed the outdoors, especially motorcycling, hunting, fishing, camping and 4-wheeling. He recently took up golf and enjoyed remote control helicopters. He loved to cook and also loved animals.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kara (Karlinchak) Whitman; two sons, Mark Zukowski and Justin Whitman and a daughter, Jordyn Whitman, all of Erie; three sisters, Karen Ann Littlefield-Konieczko, husband, Gary, Kristen Mary Markham, husband, Paul and LaRoux Whitman, significant other, Kimberly Paige; a nephew, Kyle Richard Littlefield; and nieces, Alexandra and Christina Karlinchak; a large extended family in McKean/Edinboro, and many friends, including a close friend, Arlyn "Arnie" Ewings.

Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 E. 38th St., Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and to attend a service there Tuesday at 11 a.m., with Rev. Jason Feigh officiating. Burial with military honors will be private.

Memorials are suggested to: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall St., 29th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10005; or Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation, 6297 Buffalo Rd., Erie, PA 16510; or to the family.

Condolences and photos may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

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