L. Deane Schlosser, age 94 and a lifelong resident of Waterford, died Friday evening, February 25, 2011 at UPMC Hamot. Born in Waterford on June 24, 1916, he was a son of the late Charles William Schlosser Sr. and Mildred Williamson Schlosser.
Deane became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford on April 3, 1927. Over the years he served the church in various ways including elder, pulpit committee, and the Erie Presbytery committee for Presbyterian Homes. Deane will mostly be remembered for his talent as a pianist and organist. He played for the Presbyterian Church for approximately 35 years and taught private piano and organ lessons until he was 79. He was also known to play publicly at local clubs and the Erie City Mission. In his early years, Deane worked for the Erie Times as circulation manager.
Deane married Luella Pearson on October 10, 1950 and she survives. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews, and his close friends, Dr. Robert S. Ruhl and his wife Halie, and their daughter Hannah, of Wilmington, Vermont.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Charles W. Schlosser Jr. and Richard Carlton Schlosser, and a sister, Margaret Anne Williamson.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home of Waterford on Monday morning from 10:00 am until the funeral service begins at 11:00 am. Rev. Emily Zeig will officiate and the committal service will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
The Schlosser Family: It has been some years since Deane taught my sister and I piano but he was the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with you here in Sacramento. Always, Tim Shadle.
I was one of the privileged to have Mr. Schlosser for my first piano teacher. He taught me to love music, and showed me the best way to use it – singing and playing to show God I loved Him.
Growing up on Flatt Road, I marveled at your Christmas trees and loved watching them grow. I grew up learning the hymns Deane shared with us at church, and I can still hear him playing “When Morning Gilds the Skies”.
Our prayers will be with you tomorrow morning…