Harry Love, Jr.

Harry M. Love, Jr., age 97, of Millcreek, passed away Monday October 17, 2016 at Pleasant Ridge Manor.

A member of one of Millcreek Township’s pioneer families, Harry was the son of Harry M. Love, Sr. and Elizabeth Evans Love.  Harry graduated from West Millcreek High School in 1937, and went to work at the Lord Corporation until being drafted into the US Army during WWII.  Harry was stationed in Italy and had just begun ‘Mountain School’ when the fighting in Europe ended.  After his discharge from the Army, he and his cousin, Roger von Buseck, went into business together as ‘Love & Buseck, General Contractors’. 

Harry was an original member of the West Ridge Hose Company (now West Ridge Fire Department) and served as an active member for over 70 years.  He served as Fire Chief for many years, as well as the President of the Association for several terms.  Harry was a past member of the Erie County Fire Chiefs, the Millcreek Township Fire Chiefs, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He also served as an Elder and on the Session at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Millcreek, where he was a lifelong member.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Ruth Stevenson Love, 3 sisters, Lois Love Leuschen, Charlotte Love McIntosh, Doris Love Hammer, and his brother, Richard C. Love; a son-in-law Edward Lenz; a granddaughter, Karen Andersen and a great-grandson, Richard Michaels III. 

He is survived by his children, Kathleen Kelly (Vincent), Carol Daley (Steven), Joann Dickey (Donald) and Harry Love III (Mary Lou).  He is further survived by 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on the family on Saturday June 10 at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26^th Street (at Powell Ave.) from 9:00 until 10:30 am. A memorial service will be conducted at the funeral home at 10:30, with Rev. James McCormick officiating, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice, or the Firefighters Historical Museum, 428 Chestnut Street Erie, PA 16507.