James Kishel

James E. Kishel, age 83, of Erie, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022 at UPMC Hamot with his girls by his side.

He was born in Erie on December 28, 1938, a son of the late Anthony and Ruth McCallion Melrose.

James graduated from Strong Vincent High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth J. “Betty” Filipowski Kishel, and together they raised their beautiful family and have cherished all the time spent with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

James was proud of his Irish Heritage. He was very passionate about his work as a General Contractor. He put his heart and soul into everything he did. He was a mentor to many people especially his nephews and grandsons.

He was also an avid college basketball fan and any sport his grandchildren participated in.  He also enjoyed gardening with his bride.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth J. “Betty” Filipowski Kishel, a granddaughter, Destiny and a son, James.

He is survived by four daughters, Kathie Soudan (Brad), of Harborcreek, Karen Light (Mike), of North East, Sharon Riley (Matt), of Harborcreek and Shelley Mindek (Hunter) of Erie, a sister-in-law, Dolly (Bill) Sonnenlitter, of Girard, OH and a brother in law, Arthur Morrison, of Erie.

He is survived by fifteen grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom make for wonderful gatherings.

Friends are invited to call at Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510, on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. until the time of a Life Celebration for James at 3:30 p.m. in the Burton Wintergreen All Faiths Chapel followed by Full Military Honors.

Private inurnment will take place at Whispering Pines Cremation Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie West Senior Center, 1210 West 8th St, Erie, PA 16502.