Ward Pire

Ward R. “Bud” Pire, age 91, of Erie, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018 at the VA Medical Center.

He was born in Erie on December 30, 1926 a son of the late Ward L. and Bertha Riblett Pire.

He graduated from Academy High School and served in the United States Navy during WWII.

Bud worked as an assembler for over 42 years at AO Smith which became Smith Meter.

He was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and Asbury Seniors.

He was a baseball coach for boy’s baseball in Erie for several years. He enjoyed going to the beach, his hunting camp and was also an avid chess player.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrna Pire; a sister, Mary Pire; a son, Tom Pire; and a grandson, Hunter Pire.

Bud is survived by his wife Judy Dobbs Pire; a son, Richard Pire (Susan); a daughter, Nancy Ford (Jeff); two stepsons, Kelly Tompkins and Paul J. Tompkins; and three step daughters, Tracy Davis, Jill Perls and Heidi Campbell. Bud was also a grandpa, great grandpa and great great grandpa.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the VA Medical Center for the loving care that Ward received.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W 26^th Street (at Powell Ave) on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and are invited to attend a service at Asbury United Methodist Church 4703 W. Ridge Road, Erie, Pa 16506 on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Davis officiating.  Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church.