Obituaries
Donald Erb, 82
October 13, 2021
Donald W. Erb peacefully passed away and his soul left this earth on October 13 in his home after several days of visits from family and friends. That was his wish. Don amazed everyone by fighting cancer for more than three years.
Don was born in Holtwood, PA on April 10, 1939 to Walter S. Erb and Arlene K. (Frymyer) Erb. His baseball skills as a shortstop and good looks were legendary at Penn Manor High School. He shined for the Millersville State Teachers baseball team as well. After high school he joined the U. S. Army Reserves where his love for his country grew.
He captured the heart of Carole (Mundorf) Erb in 1960 and married her. Together they raised three children who followed in their parents’ love of service to others—Kelle A. Stork, wife of Matthew Schlegel, and Donald. L. Erb husband of Lori, both from Lititz and Christopher M. Erb, husband of Christine, of Akron. Carole had her own battle with cancer and died in 1998. They were married for 37 years.
A high school reunion led to a second chance of love with Elaine (Sensenich) Warner Erb. They married in 2002, and her two sons Jeffrey S. Warner, husband of DeAnna, and Michael K. Warner, husband of Kim, all from Washington Boro, joined the Erb clan. Don had 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He met the last one the day before he died.
Don loved his family and enjoyed being their Pap the best. His crab picking and his homemade vanilla ice cream were hits at family events. He loved the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. One of the best days of his life was watching his Fighting Phils in person at a 2008 World Series game.
Don provided a lot of happiness to others over the years starting with the Boy’s Club of Lancaster, Camp Snyder, and the Lancaster Recreation Commission. His Happy Hours trips for seniors created great memories. He also worked for RCA and the Lancaster Parking Authority.
After Carole died, he spearheaded efforts to raise money for a chapel at the Lancaster Police station in her memory. Their sons were officers there. Don’s patriotism was evident with his work as a former Republican Committeeman in Manheim Township.
Retirement didn’t slow Don down. When he wasn’t traveling with Elaine, he turned his hobby of woodworking into a business where he made customized laser engraved products. His name tags were worn at several Masonic, Tall Cedar, and Shriner events. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Charles M. Howell Lodge in Millersville, a Life Member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon where he served as a former Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. He was also a member of the Elks, Lodge 134 in Lancaster. Don was also a member of these 3 organizations, Order of the Eastern Star-Donegal Chapter #422, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem-Sychar Shrine #36, and Order of the Amaranth, Inc.-Lancaster #70.
Don is survived by his wife of 19 years… Elaine Warner Erb in addition to his brother R. Dale Erb and sister Elaine Erb Slaymaker. Don was predeceased by his brother Robert Erb and sister Jean Fisher.
A visitation with Don’s family will be held on Friday evening, October 22 from 7 to 9 PM at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike Lititz PA 17543. A Masonic service will be held at 8:45PM. Don’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 23 at 11 AM (10-11am visitation with family) at Bethesda United Methodist Church 1086 Hilldale Rd.Holtwood PA 17532 with Jonnette Gay offciating. In lieu of flowers, Don requested memorials to be sent to the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of NA 4309 Linglestown Rd. Suite 116 Box 4 Harrisburg PA 17112 (in memo line MDA donation in memory of Donald Erb).
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
November 14, 2021
I’m so sorry about your loss I just recently saw this , I no longer live in the area . Donnie was such a dear sweet person my thoughts and prayers to the family
Sincerely ,
Michele Erb
October 24, 2021
My deepest sympathy to you, dear Elaine. May you take comfort in all of your precious memories.
Kathy Ashby
October 23, 2021
Kelle,D, and Chris – So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May he be re-joined and laughing once again with your mom.
Boobie-Sausage
October 22, 2021
My sympathy to the Family.
Don was my boss at the Lancaster Recreation Commission back in the early 1980s. He made coming to work “Pleasurable”. He was ALWAYS so kind and easy going! I can say that througout all of my working years, Don was one of my favorite bosses. Rest in Peace Don – & Blessings to your family!!
Judy Shultz Daily
October 21, 2021
Kelle, Don and Chris,
My condolences to you and the entire Erb family. Your dad was a great guy. He always made me feel part of the family. I have lots of fond holiday memories spent at Carole & Donnie’s. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jill (Bauer) Hemler
October 20, 2021
Many years ago my husband Rocky worked with Don at the Lancaster Recreation Commission. When we first moved to Lancaster, Don and Carole reached out to welcome us with warmth and friendship. We will always think fondly of both Don and Carole and cherish their kindness. We extend our condolences to family and friends. Linda and Rocky Watson
October 20, 2021
Chris,
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family on the passing of your father.
Trudy McComsey
October 19, 2021
I was just a boy when my dad and I would go to Howard and Karen Mundorf’s for an annual summer gathering. It was predominantly adults leaving me with not much to do. I loved to eat though and there was plenty of food. Your dad went out of his way to always make me feel welcomed. The most significant memory I have of him is when he taught me how to pick crabs apart. It says a lot about a man to take time with a non-related kid and teach him something of life. May you all hold to the best of memories. Grieving is the price we pay for love. May you find comfort in your father’s legacy; passing his ways through you to your own children. Peace to you all. -Sparky Grace
October 19, 2021
Condolences- fond memories of Camp Snyder. Steve Bennett (for the “Bennett Boy’s”)
Steve Bennett
October 19, 2021
Our condolences to the family. Always enjoyed talking to him at our family reunion. Prayers and God bless.
Tom and Janet Benner
October 18, 2021
May God bless you all as you put your amazing dad to rest. My prayers go out for comfort and gratitude as you figure out a new normal without him. My favorite thing about Uncle Don was his smile – I don’t remember a time when he did not offer one to me 😊
Prayers will be going up from Montana 🙏🏻
JUDY DELEO
October 18, 2021
I was a member of the Lancaster rec center and Mr Erb was always kind, friendly, and a true gentleman. He knew all of us by name.At age 68 I still clearly remember him. Condolences and prayers to family . May he RIP.
Bronzel Johonoson Powell
October 18, 2021
Donnie, Chris and family,
Sending my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you all at this most difficult time. I have a sense of your grief as I lost my Dad in 2009 also from cancer. Your Dad and mine were both 32nd degree Masons and members of Charles M Howell Lodge, Millersville and Tall Cedars. I remember you Donnie from being my blue brother in Law Enforcement and I think we went to updates together years ago.
May your Dad rest easy. He lived a full life and served many. May God comfort you through this time of loss and give you strength and peace. Know that your Dad will be with you always, just speak his name and he will hear you. I will keep you all in my prayers. God bless.
Officer Dianne Evans, Capitol Police (ret.)
Millsboro, DE (formerly of Willow Street PA)
October 18, 2021
Sending prayers n condolences to the Erb family/relatives. I was one of those young boys who attended Camp Snyder/Boys Club n was mentored by good men liked Donnie Erb, which was a positive experience in my life. I wanted to thank you Donnie n may U RIP Earl Papa Boots
October 17, 2021
Donnie and Chris, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, I always enjoyed talking with him.
October 17, 2021
Don and Chris:
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I hope your memories will help you through the times ahead. Ken Barton
October 17, 2021
Elaine and Family
Sending our deepest sympathy.
Hugs
Jeff and Sue Moyer
October 17, 2021
To the Erb family, my heart goes out to you. Don was a true gentleman and I enjoyed getting to know the family through Celebrate Lancaster volunteer efforts, the police station and politics. He will truly be missed. Hugs to all, Kim Rankin
October 17, 2021
My condoleces to the family. Prayers for peace and comfort at this time.
October 17, 2021
Dear Kellie, Don and Chris and families. I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. I hadn’t seen him for so long. I worked at the Lancaster Rec when he did. He was a great man, so nice. You have our sincerest sympathy. You always have your memories. God Bless all and take care.
October 17, 2021
Was in high school with Don. Great person. Sympathy to Erb family. God Bless.
October 17, 2021
Chris, and family, our condolence on the loss of your father, we offer you prayers in this time.
Tom & Yosnanqui Hauck
October 17, 2021
Don & Chris – Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. When Donnie & I were on the Bicycle Patrol, really enjoyed meeting up with your Dad when he worked for the Parking Authority.
Ted & Janice Makauskas
- Visitation
- Friday, October 22, 2021
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Saturday, October 23, 2021
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Bethesda United Methodist Church
- 1086 Hilldale Rd.
- Holtwood, Pennsylvania 17532
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, October 23, 2021
- 11:00 AM
- Bethesda United Methodist Church
- 1086 Hilldale Rd.
- Holtwood, PA 17532
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
