Raymond Armbruster, 89, of Erie, died Friday morning May 15, 2009 at Golden Living Center-Western Reserve following a brief illness. A resident of Erie all of his life, he was born in Erie on January 24, 1920 a son of the late Herman and Ida Ward Armbruster.

Raymond had served with the United States Air Force during World War II in North Africa and Italy with the 325th Checker Tail Clan. He had been an Inspector at G.E. for 37 years before retiring in 1982 and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Michael Armbruster; one brother, William Armbruster; and two sisters, Ruth George and Rita Sins.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Cynthia Petroff Armbruster; two sons, William Armbruster and his wife Heidi of Erie and Eric Armbruster and his wife Tammy of Erie; and three grandchildren, Daniel, Ellen, and Jack Armbruster. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road (corner of East Gore and Pine Ave.) on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc., 2810 West 21st Street, Erie, 16506.

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