Max Davis

Max Davis, age 102, of Erie, died quietly at home on Thursday, November 20, 2014. Born at home on Yom Kippur September 19, 1912, he was the oldest of five children to the late Harry and Lena Davis.

Mr. Davis was a sheet metal worker for 40 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of Temple B’rith Shalom and served on the Brotherhood Board of Directors. He was a member of Perry-Keystone Lodge #392 F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Valley of Erie, and Zem Zem Shrine and the Consistory Valley of Erie; he was a life member of the Zem Zem Arab Patrol; the Erepa GROTTO. He was part of the ceremonial staff of the Shrine Circus committee; started the National Roofing Contracting Association and was a representative to the Regional Federation of Square Dancers and danced with various groups. He was also a Ballroom dancer; and loved music. Max had also been the Commissioner of the Boy Scouts. Max was very analytical which carried into his business career. He worked for Patterson-Sterling in 1938; he moved to Gust Krack Co. in 1939 as an apprentice who worked his way up to foreman; in 1948 he started Davis Sheet Metal specializing in custom sheet metal, roofing and heating until his retirement in 1978. Max was proud to be a devoted volunteer with Gifts for Kids.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Gertrude Greenburg Davis, they had 52 wonderful years together; he was also preceded in death by a son Haskel Davis and three sisters, Irene Limerick, Ann Davis and Ida Zemler and a brother, Hyman Davis.

He is survived by a daughter, Susan Tolin, of Erie; five grandchildren, Jack Tolin, Robert Davis, Leann Pier, Brian Davis and Shannon Weekly; six great grandchildren, Christopher, Daniel, Jacob, Joshua, Adam and Joshua; and a great great granddaughter.

Friends are invited to funeral services at the Burton Funeral Home 602 West 10th Street on Sunday at 11:30am. Burial services will follow at C.B.S. Cemetery.

He was a man with a giant heart and generous spirit, always willing to help his neighbors, friends, relatives and strangers alike. He always enjoyed pointing out many of his roofing and heating jobs he did in his career. People always enjoyed his interesting stories of people and places of early Erie history that he either witnessed or was a part of. Max was strong in his faith and is an inspiration to all who have had the good fortune to know him.

Memorials may be made to Congregation Brith Sholom Congregation-Jewish Center 3207 State Street Erie, PA 16504; Zem Zem Shrine 2525 West 38th Street Erie, PA 16508; or to an organization of one’s choice.