Thomas Herbstritt

Thomas Herbstritt, Age 79 of North Springfield formerly of Erie, PA breathed his last Thursday, December 22nd at home with his wife of 57 years, Bernadette (Goldsmith), at his side. The prior evening, he was also surrounded by loving nieces and nephews. His species of cancer was relentless, but he held out long enough to enjoy the arrival of his youngest great-great nephew near his own birthday and his namesake.  Tom was the youngest son of Marguerite (Erich) and Jerome (J.O.) Herbstritt. Both families were from St. Mary’s PA. settling in Erie @ 1932.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Roth, brother John/Jack Herbstritt and his wife Betty, brother-n-law Dr. William Rowane, sister-in-law Joanne Herbstritt and brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Margaret Goldsmith.

Tom is survived by his wife, Bernie, his brother Ken Herbstritt, and sisters Joyce Rowane,  Peggy DeLaura and Sally DiBacco (Richard); sister-in-law Joanne Seager Silverman (Lou) and several nieces and nephews from the sibling families. And the Susan Goldsmith George (Charlie) family, children Jacob (Taylor), Isaac (Sarah) and Lydia, grandchildren, Caleb James and Luke Thomas who all shared a special relationship with Uncle Tom.

As a painter and carpenter, Tom was trained by his father and worked with his dad and brother, Ken before establishing his own business. Many homes (including his own self-built in Summer City) were artfully fashioned thanks to his attention to detail. Even with health limitations, the family completed do-it-yourself projects with his guidance and watchful eye.  As an active member of the Summer City Trust Community, Tom initiated and oversaw a woods-thinning project that was of significant financial benefit to the City.

His free time was spent traveling the countryside with his wife and friends. Back roads were a preferred route to anywhere. He enjoyed the Lake Erie shore, horse shoes, camping and card club gatherings into the wee hours of the night. For years, Tom & Bernie were active members of the Lake Country Cloggers participating in competitions throughout the Eastern corridor from New Hampshire to Nashville  and Peabody FL.  But at home,  great nieces and nephews will remember the colorful flames of his lakeside campfires that were laced with scrap copper from odd jobs.

Tom cherished his dogs, Honey Bear and Zoe, and cats, Lucky and Tiger, who also stayed by his side in his last days.

Services have been entrusted to Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pa 16503. A  Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Camp Fitch Chapel, 12600 Abels Road, North Springfield, Pa at 11:00 AM.

Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com

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