Raymond Fels

Raymond Lee Fels age 88, of Fairview, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Fairview Manor following a brief illness.

He was born in Elizabeth, PA on July 27, 1924, a son of the late William and Ella Wood Fels.

Raymond graduated from Charleroi High School, where he was the class Treasurer. He also participated on the debate team which competed in the Nationals while he was a member. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for one semester and returned to Pittsburgh to enlist in the Navy.

He served in the United States Navy during WWII and served as the navigator aboard the U.S.S. Fessenden until the end of the war. Raymond returned home and completed his education at Grove City College graduating in 1949. While at Grove City he was the editor of the school newspaper and was listed in the Who's Who in Colleges.

He came to Erie after graduation and worked for a brief time at Erie Business Center until forming his own company.

Raymond owned and operated Raymond L. Fels and Associates; a consulting, public relations and lobbying firm. He served many prominent local and national clients for over 50 years until his retirement.

He, working with the late Mayor Louis J. Tullio, was instrumental in Erie getting the All American City designation, and ran a very successful fund raiser for Emergycare. He was a lobbyist and consultant for National Forge, General Electric, New York Association of Independent Colleges and Schools, National Chiropractors' Association and worked on advertising for the local bus company, EMTA.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.

Raymond was a past member of Erie Rotary, Erie Kiwanis Club and Erie Runners Club. He enjoyed playing piano and listening to Jazz music. Raymond had an extensive record and sheet music collection. He loved sailing, tennis, was an avid runner and was very proud to have run his first marathon at the age of 60. He spent many afternoons at Presque Isle walking and enjoying the beauty of nature. He also enjoyed New York City and attending Broadway shows.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, William, George, Eugene, and Donald Fels, and a nephew, Captain William Fels of the United States Coast Guard.

He is survived by his wife Joan Luciano Fels; two sons, Bryan L. and his wife Angela Arduini Fels of Fairview, and Brett G. and his wife Colleen Moran Fels of Wilmington, NC; four grandchildren, Erin Rae Straughan and her husband Chad, Brendan Fels and his wife Drea, Colin Fels and Matthew Fels; a special great-grandson Wells; a sister in law, Judy Luciano, and a great-grandaughter soon to be born. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38th Street, Erie PA 16506 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Michael Polinek Celebrant, Deacon Anthony Alleruzzo, assisting and Rev. Ted Marconi con-celebrating.

Burial will be private in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Jamestown, New York.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Peace School Scholarship Fund 2401 West 38th Street Erie, PA 16506.