Charles Dressler

Charles E. Dressler, 97, of Westlake Woods, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at UPMC Hamot.

He was born on May 18, 1924, in Erie, PA, son of the late Cyrus Charles "Jack" Dressler and the late Josephine Kondradt Dressler Burdick. A 1942 graduate of Academy High School, he attended Penn State University.

Mr. Dressler had his own big band known as "The Sonny Mac Orchestra" from 1941 to 1943. He also played with the Jay MiGlory Orchestra, Gene Parlette Orchestra, Jimmy Shea Orchestra, Savelli Concert Band, Joe Sulkowski Concert Band, East Erie Turners Concert Band, and the Doug Dressler Big Band.

Mr. Dressler was a Veteran of WW II having served with the U.S. Army's 361st SS ENGG REGT and played trombone in their concert and dance bands.

He completed the G.E. Drafting Apprentice Program, and the G.E. Technical Night School Engineering and Manufacturing Studies Programs.

Mr. Dressler worked as an Engineer and Designer for the G.E. Transportation Business Division in Erie for over 42 years progressing from a Test Equipment Design Engineer for locomotives, transit cars and off-highway equipment to Manager of Plant Engineering Support. He worked on various engineering projects in France and Germany, and was a teacher for the G.E. Apprentice Program from 1956 to 1985. Following his retirement in 1985, he acted as a consultant for G.E. on test projects until 1997. With Mr. Dressler’s busy life he somehow found time to coach Little League Baseball for several years. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and a former member of Luther Memorial Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He was a life member of the Siebenbuerger Singing Society; a member and past president of the American Legion Post No. 11 Drum and Bugle Corp; and was a member of Commonwealth Lodge No. 695 F.& A.M., Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Erie, Zem Zem Shrine, Zem Zem Temple Brass Band, Zem Zem German Band and General Electric Apprentice Alumni Association. He was a former member of the Musicians Union AFM Local No. 17, East Erie Turners, Erie Maennerchor Club and Zukor Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Dressler and a sister, Lavina "Tootie" Dressler Schlaufman.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Margaret Brandler Dressler; two sons, Charles A. (Sarah) Dressler of Douglassville, PA and Douglas D. (Diane) Dressler of Erie; five grandchildren, Jeffrey C. Dressler of Oro Valley, AZ, Jonathan R. (Kimberly) Dressler of Robbinsville, NJ, Jennifer S. (Dylan) Hastings of Philadelphia, PA, and Craig M. (Jill) Dressler and Mark C. (Bethany) Dressler of Erie; five great-grandchildren, Grayson, Ava, Aubrey and Nathan Dressler and Leighton Hastings; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services West Ridge, 3801 West 26th Street, Saturday, November 20, 2021 from Noon until the time of the funeral service there at 2 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, will officiate. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Erie Crawford County Burial Detail.

All CDC guidelines will be followed including wearing masks.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.