Thomas Raymond May

Thomas R. May, of Harborcreek, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026 after living a life filled with faith and kindness. Tom was born May 20, 1936, to the late Alfred Albert and Dorothy Mary (Kraus) May. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School and then attended Academy High School, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Ankiel.

Tom attended Erie Business School and began his working career at American Meter and then retiring from the Hammermill Paper Company. In addition, he and Shirley were co-owners of Cruise Connections with their friends Fran and Judy Krahe. After retirement, Tom spent many years working and volunteering with several organizations including the United Way and The Brevillier Village and Conrad House.

Tom and Shirley were married May 24, 1958, and created a loving home to family and friends where you always felt welcomed. He and Shirley travelled throughout the United States and also spent several winters escaping the cold of Erie in Kissimmee, Florida. Tom enjoyed gardening, reading, and playing cards with friends, but more than anything, he cherished any time he was able to spend with his family and those he held dear to his heart. Whatever role he was in, whether Mr. May, Dad, Uncle Tom, or Papa – that is what made his life complete. Nobody served up Papa Crackers, Apple Juice, or ice cream sandwiches with as much love as Papa.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley; a brother, Dick May; sister, Eileen (Sam) Macrino; in-laws, Carl and Catherine Ankiel; as well as sisters-in-law, Kay Ralph, Carol (Steve) Smith and Donna Jausz; and a nephew, James Macrino.

Tom is survived by his children, Patti (Mike) Rudzinski, Tom (Carla) May, Karen (Mike) Rodland, and Tim (Kelly) May; grandchildren, Chelsie (Steve) Armstrong, Channah (Jason) Moffett, Chyanne Rudzinski, Marlee (Rick) McMunn, Cameron (Tirissa) May, Jennelle (Graham) Russell, and Mitchell and Maddie May; and great-grandchildren, Sullivan Moffett and Lucy Armstrong. Tom is also survived by a brother-in-law, Fred Ralph; cousin, Sr. Phyllis Schleicher, OSB; incredibly special nieces and nephews and friends including his best friend, Don and his dear friends, John and Dorothy, as well as a host of other wonderful friends at the Conrad House – including those that worked and resided there.

Up until Shirley’s passing in February 2025, he and Shirley enjoyed a nightly bowl of ice cream as they looked back on their beautiful life and love story. As is in Tom’s typical fashion, he continued that tradition, fondly remembering the love of his life. Once again, the May family asks that perhaps you pay tribute to their beautiful and kind Mother and Father by sharing an ice cream with your loved ones.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd.) on Monday, October 19th, from 3 to 7 pm and are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Tuesday, October 20th at 11 am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Conrad House, 5436 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511 or Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, 6101 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.