Harry (Howdy) William Kneissler

Harry (Howdy) William Kneissler

Pug / Percy of the Erie Jolly Jesters put down his balloon animals and completed his last walk-a-round on Sunday, September 10^th, and joined his wife Judy, Tag-a-long , in heaven.  Harry was born on September 30, 1930, the youngest child of the late Martin and Josephine (Andrews) Kneissler.

He was preceded in death by his wife Judy; brothers Martin and Philip; sisters Josephine, Katherine, Louise, and Clara.  He is survived by his children Earl, Sheryl (Gary) Kyle, Maria (Rob) Stroul and “adopted” son John (Sandy) Button.  He is also survived by grandchildren Karin(Chris) Sirianni, Mike Kyle(Shannon Pietrasiewicz), Lydia and Ian Stroul, and Kim(John) Groll; great-grandchildren Grace and Anthony Sirianni, Alexis Pietrasiewicz and John Groll; extended family Jennifer Bluey and Kaden Bluey; and many nieces and nephews.   Everyone our parents met became family, we have thousands of “cousins” that they took under their wing.

Following graduation from Millcreek High School, Harry served in the U.S. Marine Corp. obtaining the rank of Lance Corporal.  He was stationed on Mount Fuji in Japan during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

He worked over 35 years at AMSCO/Steris and after retiring continued to keep busy.  He and Judy became members of the Erie Jolly Jester Clown group and Harry proudly served as club President for several years.  Harry and Judy were also Make-a-Wish Ambassadors and worked as many events as possible.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was involved in many other organizations throughout his life.  He especially loved the Christmas Season when he could put on his red suit and hat, bringing smiles to everyone, young and old.

Harry loved driving around the Peninsula, going to the Erie Playhouse, going out to dinner at the Brewerie, making bead animals and always loved spending time with family and friends.  He will be greatly missed, but his smiles will live on in our memories.

Friends may call on Saturday, September 16^th,   from 1:00 to 4:30 at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26^th Street (at Powell Ave.)  A service will begin at 4:30, including military honors by the Wesleyville American Legion Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank the staff of Pleasant Ridge Manor (PRM), especially “his Girls” in K-unit (guys too), as well as, AseraCare Hospice Services, for the love and care they provided to our dad/grandpa/dapa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Make-a-Wish of Greater PA/WVA 1001 State Street Suite 502 Erie, PA 16501; PRM Friends Forever, 8300 West Ridge Road, Girard, PA 16417; Veteran’s Miracle Center of Erie, 1573 West 39^th Street, Erie, PA 16509; or the organization of their choice.