Thomas James â??Tosh�? Erle

Age 72, was born April 28, 1933 in Elmira Heights, NY the son of the late Thomas Edward and Anna Mae (Benjamin) Erle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at his home on Oneida Road with his wife and sister by his side. In December of 1967, Thomas married Virginia (Erle) in St. Peter and Paul?s Church with Reverend Mattey conducting the wedding ceremony. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 38 years, Virginia; sisters, Loretta (Harold) Gunderman of Elmira, NY; Margaret ?Peggy? (Floyd) Wise of Gowanda, NY; Susan (Rick) Hall of Orlando, FL; brothers, Daniel (Diana) Erle of Brandon, FL; Donald Erle of Riverview, FL; along with several nieces, nephews and many friends. ?Tom?, as he was known by his friends, retired from the Hilliard Corporation in April of 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a decorated Veteran of the USMC proudly serving his country from 1954-1958 during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Clarence Oliver Post # 154 Elmira Heights, NY and the Italian American Veterans Club Elmira, NY. Mr. Erle volunteered countless hours with the Eldridge Park Carousel Project and received a plaque honoring his service. He also volunteered much of his time to the Newtown Battlefield with the construction of the Indian Villages. ?Tosh?, the nickname given to him when he was a little boy by his family, because he never could pronounce Thomas, was an avid hunter, fisherman and bow hunter, which was the love of his life. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 1:00 PM in the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY. Reverend Rick Farrell will celebrate the service honoring Thomas?s life and honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Falck Cancer Center 600 Roe Ave. Elmira, NY 14905 or to the American Cancer Society 1316 College Ave. Elmira, NY 14901 in his memory. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for the family in obituaries at www.olthof.com Officers and members of the American Legion Post #154 Elmira Heights, NY will conduct a memorial service for their fallen comrade, Thomas J. Erle on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 1:30 PMSigned:Chaplain Vincent Magaw