Thomas Wingerter

Thomas Elmer Wingerter died March 18, 2020 at Saint Vincent Hospital after suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and related complications. 

Tom was born November 30, 1938, in Erie, PA, first son of the late Elmer Wingerter and Irene Moore Wingerter.

He graduated from McDowell High School in 1957, a member of the Wrestling Team.  Tom was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force.  He was a toolmaker at Reed Manufacturing, worked on the railroad and finally was a letter carrier at the U.S. Post Office, retiring in 1986.  Years later, Tom was still remembered affectionately by many of his customers.

He was a founding member of Holy Cross Church since 1963, serving as a Eucharist Minister; member and former officer of the Holy Name Society; “Parking Lot Attendant” in the early days; working at Fish Dinners and doing any ministry or work that needed to be done.  He was a member of Erie Cursillo.

As a child Tom and his brother, Dick, used to pack a lunch and ride to parts unknown; all day excursions (sometimes overnight).  He loved the outdoors, you could most often find him in his backyard with others but sometimes by himself enjoying the birds, turkeys and deer.  That was when he received the nickname of Red, because of his beautiful red hair.

He so loved the outdoors, especially sailing, and even built his own small boat, the “Suits Me”.  All the kids sailed with him, but most faithful was daughter, Cindy.

Family was especially important to Tom, as a child and later when he had his own children; taking trips, fishing and hunting, picnics in the backyard.  Friends were a good part of his life; he never wanted anyone to go hungry (he had a huge garden and he grew potatoes and donated them to St. Joseph Orphanage). And he did want everyone to have a safe home; he joined others from Holy Cross Church, working on an unfinished addition to the home of a dear friend. 

Tom had Multiple Sclerosis as an adult and was a wonderful inspiration to all.  He was MS Father of the Year in 1983.  Many times folks have told him and me that he was an inspiration to them.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Elmer Wingerter and mother Irene Moore Wingerter, brothters; James (Ann) and Richard (Joyce) Wingerter.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Carole Ring Heise Wingerter; three sons: Michael Wingerter of Erie, PA; Brian Wingerter of Warren, PA; Christopher Wingerter (Shannon) of Fairview, PA; two daughters: Cynthia Englert (John) of Waterford, PA and Deborah Anderson (Ronald) of Hermitage, PA; step-daughter: Deborah Heise Speice (Michael) of Erie, PA and step-son: Daniel Heise (Cheryl) of Grand Rapids, MI.

He is also survived by grandchildren: Justin Carte (Amanda) of Wake Forest, NC; Ashley Rinehart (Brad) of South Charleston, WV; Jaime Anderson (fiancé Shauna) of Hermitage, PA; John Englert III, of Waterford, PA; Nicole Ehrman (Nathan) of Erie, PA; Danielle Wingerter (Jake) of WPAFB, OH; L. Cpl. Autumn Wingerter of Camp Pendleton, CA; Abigail Wingerter of Fairview, PA; and step-grandchildren: Dr. Eric Anderson (Kelly) of Boulder, CO; Mark Anderson (Susan) of Galway, Ireland; Trisha Torres, Amy Kalinowski (Geoff), all of Erie, PA; Jessica Heise of Fort Wayne, IN and Chelsea Heise of Indianapolis, IN.

Tom is further survived by great grandchildren: Emmy Carte of South Charleston, WV; James and Kaitlyn Anderson of Hermitage, PA; Benjamin and Adrianna Ehrman of Erie, PA; Finley Carte of Wake Forest, NC; Emma Anderson of Boulder, CO; Anya and Ethan Anderson of Galway, Ireland; and Kayleigh, Alexander and Kaitlyn Torres of Erie, PA 

He is also survived by his only sister, Joanne Murosky (James) of Erie, PA, and three wonderful brothers; Ronald (Donna) of Erie, PA; Edward of Girard, PA and Raymond of Erie, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be help on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fairview, PA, at 11:00AM.  Mass will be celebrated by his Pastor, Rev. Thomas Tyler.

Arrangements were handled by Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard.

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 7100West Ridge Road, Fairview, PA  16415.

Condolences can be sent to www.burtonquinnscott.com