John Raine Erhard

Olean- John R. Erhard “Loving Father & Grandfather”

 John R. Erhard formerly of Portville and Field of Dreams passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Pines of Olean. 

 John was born on July 5, 1932, in Ridgeway, PA and was the son of Wilbur D. and Susie A. Walker Erhard. On June 30, 1956, in Brocton, NY he married Edna Schoonmaker who predeceased him on October 2, 2021. 

 John attended Olean High School where he ran track and cross country. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and served from September 6, 1951 until August 30, 1955. John’s home port was Norfolk, VA. He spent most of his time on USS Bottineau and is a Korean War Veteran. He worked as a machinist or Dresser Clark for 43 years until his retirement in 1994. John enjoyed vacationing at Myrtle Beach, SC., cross country skiing, bike riding, camping, hunting, and fishing. He was also a member of Creekside Chapel in Allegany. 

 John is survived by his five children: Linda J. Gleason of Olean, Susie A. (Paul) Fisher of Arvada, CO., Mary Kay (John) Gethicker of Olean, Diane M. (Jim) Rambuskie of Mayville, and John R. (Carmen) Erhard, Jr of Inwood, WV., 12 grandchildren: Angela, Christy, Rachel, Ryan, Jared, Tabitha, Curtis, Keith, Natasha, Mary Kay, Maria, and Christopher, and 21 great grandchildren. 

 John was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Edna, his parents, his siblings, and son in law, Ross Gleason. 

Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at which time services will be held. The Rev. Dave Fisher, Pastor of Hinsdale Community Church will officiate. Burial with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 ritual team, will be in the Allegany Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com