John Trettel

 John Francis Trettel

Age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 of natural causes after several months of declining health surrounded by the love of his family.  He was a strong and loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, businessman, and friend. 

John, also known as Jack, was born to the late Frieda and James Leo Trettel in California, PA on October 6, 1933.  He grew up in Freedom, PA attending St. Felix and Freedom High School.

John lived a full and productive life with a humble and respectful demeanor and work ethic consistent with a strong Christian upbringing and being a child of the Great Depression.  To know him was to love him and hold him in high regard.  He was first a family man and the ultimate role model, leading by example, and always putting others before himself.  He was our patriarch and emphasized that family was the most important thing of all.   You could always count on him for anything and he seemed to be able to solve just about any problem with a logical solution.   He lived by the golden rule, was a great storyteller, and had a good sense of humor.  He was intelligent, creative, had common sense, and was extremely thoughtful of others.

John was a strong high school and college athlete, lettering in baseball and football.  He was a star running back at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he was also president of his fraternity, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in Business.  When John’s father was injured when John was in high school, he helped support his family by driving spikes for little money on the Pennsylvania railroad, where he continued working to put himself through college.  He valued good education and imparted that belief in his children, helping all five of them through private schools and college.  He went on to a successful early career in retail business as a manager of multiple W.T. Grant Stores throughout PA, OH, and WI.  In the late 1960’s he changed his focus and trained on Wall Street to learn finance and investing and became a broker with Merrill Lynch.  This prepared him for a new career opportunity, moving his large family to Erie in 1973 to take a senior position with the First National Bank.  He quickly worked his way through the ranks and ultimately became Executive Vice President of the Trust Division.  After 18 years at the bank, when many would be considering retirement, John embarked upon his crowning venture, becoming founder and President of Presque Isle Capital Management, a financial management and advisory firm that provided guidance, portfolio management, and successful financial results to many satisfied clients over 15 years.  Throughout his many years in business and raising a family, he also found time to volunteer his time on many boards and non-profit organizations to help the community.

John enjoyed business and never really retired, as he closely followed the markets and managed portfolios through his final days.  He was also interested in antiques and auctions, old cars, traveling with his wife and close friends in Europe and throughout the U.S., creatively fixing things, outdoor activities, keeping up with the news, staying active, and helping his children and extended family no matter what the issue or how difficult.  Always level-headed with something worthwhile to say, John was humble and did not express a lot of feelings, but by his actions you always knew you were loved.  He will be greatly missed but always celebrated for the love, friendship, and wonderful memories he created for his family and friends.

He was predeceased by loving wife of 63 years Yvonne (nee Galli), and daughter Kristan Mosley (Dr. Mark).  Survived and loved by children Michael, Roger (Sandy), David and Andrea Yochim (John); eight grandchildren Julia, Jessica, Lily, Zora Grace, Angelo, Jack, Scarlet, and Frances; and, one great grandchild, Aria.  Dear Uncle to Jeffrey, James, Jason, and Justin Trettel, Diane Staggers, and Kara Sayers. And many extended relatives and friends.

Arrangements are being held by the Burton Funeral Home, 602 W. 10^th Street, Erie, with visitation at 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Sunday, September 26.    A prayer service will be held at 11 am on Monday, September 27 at the Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 5711 W. Lake Road, Fairview, followed by interment.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kristan Trettel Mosley Brain Cancer Research Fund at the National Institutes of Health  Mosley Memorial Fund, National Cancer Institute/Neuro-Oncologist Branch, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Building 82, Room 225, MSC 8202, Bethesda, MD 20892.