Richard Emling

Richard Brian Emling, age 80, of Erie, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Saint Vincent Health Center. He was born November 4, 1935, son of the late John George and Anna (Strong) Emling. Richard was a genial sort, whose long, fulfilling life included enjoyment of many things that were among the preferences of other lifelong Erieites: fishing, hunting, times with friends at the club, family gatherings, playing euchre with his sisters and a cold beer or two mixed in.

Rarely was he happier or more proud than when he shared the bounty of a fishing trip, the Lake Erie perch succulently prepared in his kitchen, or the fruits and vegetables that he nurtured in the gardens of his Eastside home. He passed away on Tuesday, a man made wealthy by 80 years of rich life experiences and the love of family and friends.

His graduation from East High School was followed by service in the Navy and a variety of professions that included factory jobs, banking, automobile sales and, in later life, work as a salesman at the Erie Sports Store, where he retired at age 79, his family joking that he stayed to that age to hang on to the 10 percent employee discount.

His home was filled with the mementos of his passions and pastimes, particularly those of the outdoors -- Franklin Mint collectables and carvings of ducks and other wildlife, and a collection of model planes that he meticulously assembled, a reminder of his time in the service when he worked on maintaining aircraft. Amid them were shelves of books; he was a voracious reader who especially enjoyed history and the novels of author Ayn Rand.

When he wasn't dabbling in the kitchen, tending to his garden or deep into a book, he could be found relaxing on the couch with a golf tournament or football game on the television or jazz streaming from the sound system.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by five siblings, Charlotte Hofstetter, Margaret Smith, John (Jazz) Emling, Mary Ann Haley and Warren Emling as well as an infant daughter, Simone.

Survivors include, his children, Nadeen Steffey (Fiance Jon Schmitz), Sherri (Tim) Eriksen, Darlene (Josh) Gillies and Allison Emling; grandchildren, Mindy (Robert), Shelley, Peter, Robert and Casey; one lovely great grandson, Wyatt; three sisters, Norma (Frank) Squire, Betty (Howard LaFontaine) (Jack) Weber and Sylvia (Jim) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, 602 West 10th Street on Friday, May 20th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Services are private. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VA Medical Center, Regional Cancer Center or Hunt of a Lifetime.