John Ashby

John Griggs Ashby, 71 of Erie, Pennsylvania passed away on Thursday, 4/2/2015. Born in 1944 to John L. Ashby and Connie Griggs Ashby he lived all of his life in Erie, Pa. He attended Strong Vincent High School and graduated class of 1962. He attended Gannon University and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology. John had over 40 years’ experience in the advertising, marketing and public relations industries with over 35 years as the President of J.G. Ashby Advertising, Inc. He was also part owner of both a cable television company and FM radio station. He produced a fishing show pilot through his AXYS Productions LLC endeavor.

John was an extremely loving father of three daughters, Adrienne Levis of Macungie Pa, Aimee Nuara of Erie, Pa and Alexandra Demarall of Erie, Pa. He is also survived by friend and former wife Kathleen Fabian-Claunch, many nieces, nephews and 7 grandchildren; Madeline , Mason, & Justin Levis, Alexis & Andrew Nuara, and Noah & Landon Demarall. John was a generous, loving father, grandfather and friend to all.

As a lifelong boater, both power and sail, John also held a United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine 100 Ton Captain’s License, covering both power and sailing vessels. John loved to sail, hunt, and fish, read, work out at Nautilus fitness Center & spend time with all of his close loving friends of the Erie Yacht Club. Lifetime member of the Erie Yacht Club, serving as commodore in 1995 and Chairman of the 1995 Erie Yacht Club Centennial Celebration. John also was the original creator, publisher and major contributor to the Erie Yacht Club’s bi-monthly publication, “The LOG”. He also was Past President of the International Order of Blue Gavel’s District 17. For many years he was an active volunteer for the NYP Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serving on the local board for many years. As board chairman in 1984 he developed two very successful fund raising events, the “sailing Regatta for MS” and the “MS Art lottery and artist Exhibition” which continue to benefit the Society for many years. John also spent many years as an active volunteer for Special Olympics. He was a long time member of the Shrine Club.

The family extends a special Thank You to the Regional Home Health and Hospice Organization and Pleasant Ridge Manor West where John for all their loving care and support.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Burton Funeral Home on west 26th Street, Erie Pa. Memorial donations can be made to Pleasant Ridge Manor, West 8300 West Ridge Road, Girard, PA 16417 in loving memory of John Ashby.