David Guthrie

David A. Guthrie Sr. age 69, of Erie, died quietly at home on Friday February 12, 2016. He was born in Erie, Pa. on July 11, 1946, a son of the late Thomas W. and Marian Burgess Guthrie. He was a 1964 graduate of McDowell High School, and worked for 58 years as Erie’s “best” auto mechanic for Guthrie’s West Lake Service, founded by his father, Thomas. He retired in 2011, and in all those years never had to advertise beyond “word of mouth”. He was an avid lover of street rods, and spent many happy times with the Cruisin’ Rods N Kustoms Car Club. He always wished he still had his ‘66 Chevelle that gained him many tickets while buggin’ State Street.

He volunteered with the West Lake Fire Department Station # 48. He served as Lieutenant and Assistant Chief while serving nearly 50 years.

One of David’s passions in life was his fascination with trains. He had an extensive model train collection, and enjoyed going to train shows and hobby shops. He and his wife, Sharon, were two “pack rats”, who loved going to flea markets and finding their favorite collectibles; along with dinner dates and attending numerous car shows over the years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an unborn daughter in 1990, a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Guthrie, a sister, Cheryl Levesque and brother-in-law, Maurice Levesque. In addition to his wife, Sharon Shattuck Guthrie, whom he married on July 3, 1993, he is survived by three children; David Guthrie II and his wife Janis, Jeffrey Guthrie, and Sarah Pirrello and her husband, Mark, all of Erie. He also leaves two step daughters; Kerry Daub Page and her husband Charles, and Jennifer Daub Orsini, also all of Erie. His first wife, Judy Guthrie, also remains along with his sisters; Karen and Jeanne Guthrie also all of Erie. He leaves a nephew, John Levesque, and a niece Michelle Teftt, husband Andy, both of Erie. He also leaves twelve grandchildren; Sydney, Addison, Tyler, Ashley, Amber, Jason, Savannah, Maverick, Aurora, Gabby, Jessiey, and Isaiah; and three great- Grandchildren; Kayla, Roman, and Wyatt. A dear friend of fifty years, Dick Lindner, also remains.

His Granddaughter Savannah was the “light of his life” -his “little buddy.” She spent almost every day of her life with her “Pa.” Nothing could compare to the special bond they had between them. He will forever be her “best friend.”

Friends may call at Burton West Lake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Avenue), Erie, Pa. 16506 on Tuesday, from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm, and are invited to services there on Wednesday at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the family to assist with David’s medical bills.