M. John Niskanen

M. John ‘Jack’ Niskanen, age 87 of Erie, passed away on July 21, 2021 at the Regency at South Shore.

He was born in Erie on December 12, 1933 a son of the late Matthew and Elloise Washburn Niskanen. Jack was a graduate of Girard High School and attended Penn State Behrend.  He was employed as a supervisor for Copes-Vulcun.  Jack was a member of Girard and Fairview Presbyterian Church, was a Zem Zem Shiner and an accomplished musician. He led several bands, he was the leader of the Shrine Club German Band and traveled to play in Switzerland and Germany.  He was also a member of a dance band in Florida called the Skylarks.  He ran and completed the Boston Marathon in 1982.

In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his wife Audrey Hughes Niskanen, his son Robert Niskanen, and his sister Betsy Sutch.   

He is survived by his sons, Samuel (Belinda) Niskanen of South Florida and Daniel (MC) Niskanen of Roseville Ca. and his daughter in law Edie Niskanen of Erie.  He is further survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, also brother and sister in law Jim and Shirley Adams.

Friends may call Monday 11am until the time of service at 1:00pm at Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, in Girard.  Inurnment to follow at Springfield Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Girard, PA, P.O. Box 106
Girard, PA 16417-0106 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8^th Street.  Erie, PA 16505.

Send condolences at www.BurtonFuneralHome.com