Robert L. Birchard

Robert L. Birchard Robert L. Birchard, age 76, of Arcadia Avenue in Millcreek, passed away Monday, February 5, 2007, at Hamot Medical Center. Born in Warren, Pa., on January 1, 1931, he was a son of the late Harold and Anne (Linder) Birchard. He served with the U.S. Army in Korea and was discharged with the rank of corporal. Before his retirement, he was an optician with Warner Lambert, and later with Gustafson Optical for thirteen years, retiring from there in 1995 Robert was a member of and usher at Saint Julia Catholic Church, and participated in the EWTN ministry. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Frances G. Birchard; five daughters, Teresa Fischer, husband Richard, Erie, Joan Lewis, husband Mark, Erie, Kathleen Miller, husband Dennis, Massachusetts, Linda Birchard, Erie, and Pauline Labonte, husband Wayne, Erie; four sons, Douglas Birchard, wife Robin, Florida, Steven Birchard, wife Diane, New York, Frederick Birchard, wife Samantha, Florida, and Scott Birchard, wife Lorrie, North Carolina; 17 grandchildren, one great-grandson; a sister, Elizabeth Parkhurst, California. Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard. Services will be held there Friday at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Julia Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to People for Life, 1625 West 26th. St. Erie, PA, 16508 or EWTN, 5817 Leeds Rd. , Irondale, AL 35210 Send condolences at bruggerfuneralhomes.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.