In Memoriam:
Sadly, the Central Erie County Paramedic Association has recently lost several long-time members: Dr. Paul A. Kohut, Medical Director; Paramedic Joyce E. Berry; and former treasurer and EMT Zelma Loop. Gone, but not forgotten, the surviving members of the Central Erie County Paramedic Association will endeavor to honor their memory.
Dr. Paul A. Kohut
Dr. Paul A. Kohut, 55, of McKean, died Saturday, November 12, 2016 at St. Vincent's Hospital.
Paul was born in Erie on May 21, 1961 to Afton and Norma (Forinash) Kohut. After graduation from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1990, he became board certified in family practice and emergency medicine. From there he went on to practice family medicine in Albion, PA for many years. Emergency medicine was one of Dr. Kohut’s greatest passions, having been elected as a Fellow by the American Academy of Emergency Physicians (AAEP) as recently as June of this year. He previously served as the Emergency Medical Director of Millcreek Community Hospital and Corry Memorial Hospital. In keeping with his devotion to emergency services, Dr. Kohut was extensively involved with numerous paramedic units in the area, acting as Medical Director for several, including Millcreek Paramedic Services, the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department, the McKean Hose Co., and the Central Erie Co. Paramedics Association (CECPA).
Paul is survived by his beloved, Megan Andrews, and her son, Austin Stein of Erie; a sister, Pearl (William) Schmidt of Albion; a nephew, Michael (Melanie) Schmidt; a niece, Lisa Schmidt; and many wonderful friends whom Paul considered to be part of his family.
Calling hours were held at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 from 2 to 8 p.m with a Panihida (prayer service) held at 1:30 p.m. and a Masonic service held at 7:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 25636 N. Mosiertown Rd., Crossingville, on Friday at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Father Daniel Mathewson officiating.
Burial was in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
Paramedic Joyce E. Berry
Joyce Berry, 79, of Edinboro, died Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Crawford County Care Center. She was born in Sharon, PA on Sept. 18, 1937, the daughter of the late John and Laura (Wilson) Reeher.
Joyce graduated from Greenville High School, then went on to Thiel College where she earned her BS and MA in physics, concluding her studies there in 1966. She played cello and sang in the choir at Thiel. Joyce was the first woman to earn an MA in Physics from Theil.
Joyce had a long teaching career. She taught high school science at Reynolds and Hickory school districts and subsequently taught physics at Edinboro University. Her teaching career at Edinboro spanned 32 years.
Joyce was a founding member of the Franklin Twp. Vol. Fire Department and former chief of that organization. Her knowledge of science and teaching allowed Joyce to translate principles of hydraulics and fire science into plain English. Joyce worked for 30 years as paramedic #14 for the Central Erie County Paramedics Association and West County Paramedics Association.
She was a very active member of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Waterford where she played the piano, she was the church treasurer, a Sunday school teacher, and a lay reader.
She enjoyed riding horses and tutoring refugees. To keep fit she studied karate and eventually earned a black belt.
Joyce touched many lives throughout her lifetime. In her life she demonstrated that a person’s love of other people is a great strength, a wonderful blessing, and never a weakness,
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert H. Berry, Jr.
Survivors include by her two sons, Robert "Buck" (Debbi) Berry of Virginia, and Michael (Marti) Berry of Edinboro; two daughters, Ruth (Robert) Orton of Cambridge Springs, and Margaret "Meg (Tim) LeSuer of Edinboro; three brothers; Dr. John (Linda) Reeher of NY, Dr. George Reeher of Greenville; and Walter (Georgellen) Reeher of Jamestown, PA; 5 grandchildren, Joe (Mihwa) Johnson, Ron (Carly) Berry, Patrick (Lori) Berry, Shawn (Amanda) LeSuer and Katie (Albert) Childs; seven great-grandchildren, Joey, Abagail, Hannah, Hazel, Hunter, Julia and Izzy.
Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Monday, June 12, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 100 E. 3^rd St, Waterford, PA at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Norman Field officiating.
EMT Zelma Loop (Former Treasurer of CECPA)
Zelma Ann (Peterson) Loop, 87, of Edinboro, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at Edinboro Manor after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Drakes Mills, PA on November 24, 1929, the daughter of the late Walter L. and Hazel Peterson.
Zelma previously worked as a telephone operator, both in Athens, Ohio and at Erie Resistor. For nearly 50 years, she was involved in real estate, managing several rental properties throughout Edinboro Lakeside Area. She was a longtime member of the Republican Committee and worked at the polls for dozens of Elections.
Zelma joined the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department in 1993, where she was a certified EMT and served as the Department treasurer for 10 years. She also served as the treasurer for the Central Erie County Paramedics Association for 5 years.
Zelma spent a portion of this past year at Juniper Village Assisted Living in Meadville and the family thanks all of those who watched over her there. Most recently she resided at Edinboro Manor. The family would like to thank all the caregivers, especially Amanda and Jamie who took extra special care of Zelma when she needed it most. The family also extends deep appreciation to her roommate, Boo, for her love and care of Zelma.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert H. Loop in June 2017; a brother, Larry Peterson; and two sisters, Ruth Hayes and Janet Schadler.
Survivors include a daughter, Denise (Dean) Gossman; a son, William Scott (Sue) Loop; two grandchildren, Megan (Rod) Montgomery and Archie Loop; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Declan Montgomery; two sisters, Carol Christensen and Martha Taylor.
The family asks you to join them for a Celebration of her Life at the Edinboro Vol. Fire Department Social Hall, on, Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 6-8 pm.
The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Burial of ashes will be in Edinboro Cemetery.
Dispatcher Audrey M. Adams
“The Voice of Edinboro Fire Control”
Audrey Mae Adams, of Edinboro, died on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at her home surrounded by family. She was born in Erie, on September 4, 1936, the daughter of the late Jack Collen and Helen (Waltz) Swift.
Audrey was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She loved puzzles, trivia games and traveling with her belated husband, William.
Audrey worked as the “Voice of Edinboro” dispatching for the Edinboro and Franklin Twp Vol. Fire Departments long before 911 was a concept in Erie County. She then went on to be a call taker for 911 in the City of Erie from where she retired.
Audrey is preceded in death by her loving husband, William K. Adams Sr. in 2000, a grandson, Blair Douglas Adams, a sister, Virginia Swift Kraus, a brother, Chuck Collen, and two step brothers, Ray and Neil Swift.
She is survived by two sons, James Adams and his wife, Laurie, of McKean, and William K. Adams, Jr. of Edinboro; two daughters, Bridget Adams of Edinboro and Helen Burke and her husband, Michael, of Lake City; one brother, Fred Swift and his wife, Linda, of Edinboro; also five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She will be sadly missed by her family and Friends.
No calling hours or services will be held per Audrey's wishes. The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Burial will be in Edinboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Edinboro Vol. Fire Department.