Richard George (Dick) Wilhelm Obituary (1940 - 2022)

Richard George (Dick) Wilhelm, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, surrounded by family after a brief but hard-fought battle with ALS. He was a lifelong resident of Erie, born on May 2, 1940, son of the late Walter and Catherine (Gorecki) Wilhelm. Richard was a 1958 graduate of East High School and a veteran of the US Army. While serving in Germany, he met his best friend and the love of his life, Erika (Weber) Wilhelm. They cherished 60 years of marriage together, raising five children: Helmut Wilhelm, Nancy Silvaggi (Mark), Richard Wilhelm (Kelly), Christine Wilhelm, and Renee Wilhelm. He is further survived by two brothers: Jim (Connie) and Walter (Mary Lou) Wilhelm; 13 grandchildren; 12 1/2 great-grandchildren; and 1 1/2 great-great-grandchildren. Richard AKA "The Original MacGyver" could build, repair or rig anything with duct tape, zip ties, and velcro. This talent led to fun times at many family gatherings playing, "What is it and what did he use it for?" Richard was a mechanic by trade, a skill that he used in both his career and many hobbies. He was the original owner of the East 12th Street Garage and Cherry Street Marina. Always an entrepreneur, in retirement, he purchased Pro Formance Machine Shop, Inc. He had a natural talent for working with his hands in all ways, even building the family homes over the years. He loved anything that went fast, from race cars to race boats. As a member of the Great Lakes Offshore Power Racing Association (GLOPRA), he brought many races to the Erie area. Richard also loved being on the water and was a founding member of the Commodore Perry Yacht Club. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the ANNA Shelter, or the Barber National Institute. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Harborcreek.