Albert Lewis Jr.

Albert  V. Lewis Jr. (Papa),of Erie, passed away September 11, 2013, at The Village at Luther Square. He was born in Erie, PA on  July 27, 1927, to the late Albert V. Sr. and Margaret Sullivan Lewis.  He was preceded in death by his bride, Diane Ehret Lewis.
                Al attended Erie City Schools including Academy High School and served in the United States Army during WW II.  As a young man he worked for Ralph Riehl, constructing houses all around the Erie area, pointing them out, “Hey I built that, we did all these houses here in a row.”  In his later years he worked for Fiske and Sons Church restoration installing electricity and lights in many steeples in Erie, and Boston, MA, on the Basilica.
                Al was known by everyone in the motocross racing world as a racer, track manager, and lover of all things having to do with motorcycles.  He raced in California, Florida, and all points in between.  In the summer months he would train for races by having both his daughters on his back while running through fields like a thoroughbred racehorse to prepare.  Dad was such a skillful racer that it resembled ballet to watch him.  His movements were fluid in grace and enthusiasm on each lap he rounded past us with a huge smile.  We were so proud of his accomplishments on the track.  He raced even into his 70’s with a smile on his face.  Going to races was Al’s family way of life, giving his children the utmost colorful childhood.
                Al loved all animals and once stopped traffic at the peninsula to save a turtle crossing the street.  All animals loved him as well, including our beloved dog Winnie.  He would hold her in his arms like a baby and whisper in her ear that she was safe with Papa.  All of us felt safe with Papa.  Annette’s dog Reuben loved him enough to sleep in his bed waiting for Papa to return home.  
Although a fierce and loyal Dad and Papa, defending and protecting his family, he was best known and loved for embracing everything with enthusiasm, and a zest for life that was contagious to all around him!  He loved bicycling at the peninsula and would go around the entire bike trail, even on the hottest day of the summer one year, touting, “Wow, it didn’t feel that hot to me!”  He loved to learn, and spent many hours at the library investigating the Egyptian pyramids upon his retirement. He then became a participant in the Life Program at the Village at Lutheran Square, quickly making fast and lasting friendships with all who met him, including a very special group of men who he held close to his heart.  “His table” will never be the same without him.
We as their children and their grandchildren learned humility and family values as being of the most important things in life.  Helping others, never expect a thing in return.  Mom and Dad taught us these things.  We will all remain grateful for what we have learned. 
 Al is sadly missed by all that knew him as he touched our hearts with his sweet and generous nature.  He was our protector, our hero, and our greatest cheer leader.
God Bless you sweet Daddy and Papa, rest in peace, you suffer no more.
Survived by his sister, Mary Annunziata, his brother Vern Lewis, sisters Brenda Denning and Verna Lock, daughters Annette Washam (Erie), and Lauri Lewis (Erie). Grandchildren Angela Pasquarello (George Pasquarello Jr) (St. Augustine FL), Amanda Sills (Erie), Tiffany Blanks (Erie).  Great- Grandchildren , Ashleigh Pasquarello, Josh Pasquarello, Aiden Slater, and Gabriella Blanks. 
A special heartfelt thank you to all Staff members at The Village at Luther Square for treating Dad as a “King” as he lovingly told us.  We are truly grateful. 
 

Friends may call Monday 3-7 pm at Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street, Erie, PA.  Memorials may be made to the family in care of the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street, Erie, PA 16502.