Burton Holden

Burton “Burt” L. Holden, age 95, of Erie, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Forestview Healthcare Center.

He was born in Erie, PA, on April 22, 1922, the son of the late Burton Holden and Marie Schnee Gardner.

Mr. Holden served in the US Army Air Corp. during WWII and the Korean War, where he was a gunner in the B-24 liberators, and flew 35 combat missions. He was awarded the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters.  Additionally, Mr. Holden served as an Infantry Instructor for the PA National Guard.

He was a Foreman at American Hollow Boring Company for 37 years until his retirement in 1983.  Following retirement, he owned and operated Holden Mower Service for 25 years. 

Burt was a member of the volunteer Erie/Crawford County State Police as well as an instructor for the American Red Cross in the early 1970’s.  He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Erie Golf Course.  Burt was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and was the kindest, most appreciative and grateful man.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Carmella Cifelli Holden in 2010 as well as his brother, Clarence Henry Holden.

Survivors include two sons, Burton N. Holden and his wife Kathryn, and Ronald M. Holden and his wife Kathleen, all of Erie.  Burt is further survived by five grandchildren, Hope (Dominic), Michelle (Steve), Lori (Gerry), Renee (Sean) and Jim (Allison) and eight great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to the staff of Saint Vincent Hospital, Forestview Healthcare Center and Regional Home Healthcare and Hospice for their loving support of our father and family.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26^th St. (at Powell) on Monday, July 24^th from 2p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Tuesday, July 25^th at 9:30 a.m.  A mass of Christian burial will follow at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38^th St., on Tuesday, July 25^th at 10 a.m. with Father Kyle Seyler presiding.  Interment, with a military service, will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of N.W.P.A, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie PA 16506 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Erie 2115 West 8^th St. Erie, PA 16505.