Joseph A. Heitzenrater, 66, of Erie, passed away after a lengthy illness on Thursday, March 02, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Erie on July 10, 1950, the son of the late Joseph A. Heitzenrater, Sr. and Maryjane Bussard Heitzenrater.
Joseph was a 1969 graduate of Academy High School. After graduation he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Joseph worked for American Meter and General Electric. He was a lifelong member of the Huzar Club, the American Legion Carl Neff PA Post 571, the Siebenbuerger Club, and the St. Boniface Ushers Club. Joseph enjoyed hunting and fishing.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Jeremy Simons.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Robin Becker Heitzenrater; his five children, Carla Arnold and her fiancé, Sani Salkie, Jason Heitzenrater, Stacey Kloszewski and her husband Justin, Jodie Schwabenbauer and her husband Jason, and Kristi Kenyon and her husband Jeremy; ten grandchildren; one brother Larry Heitzenrater and his wife Terri; and one half-sister, Sarah Gomolchak and her husband Joseph.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will take place on Monday at 10:00 a.m. in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the A.N.N.A Shelter - 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511.