Daniel J. Cywinski

Daniel "Diver Dan" J. Cywinski, 56, of Greenfield Township, died Wednesday evening, November 18, 2009, at Hamot Medical Center from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Erie, November 27, 1952, son of the late Leo and Eleanor Jaloszynski Cywinski, residing in the Wattsburg area his entire life.

Dan was employed as a machinist for the Transportation Division of GE in Lawrence Park for over 39 years before retiring on October 1st, 2009. He was a 1970 graduate of Wattsburg High School, a graduate of the GE Apprentice Program and was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. Whether on or off the job, Dan was always the go-to-guy when something needed to be made, fixed or adjusted because he had a knack for figuring out just about anything. From childhood, Dan held a passion for nature and wildlife, which he shared with family and friends. Whether hunting, fishing, camping, chopping firewood or looking for animals, Dan was happiest when outside. He traveled across much of the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, and was always in awe of its beauty - - from a giant tree rising high into the sky or a leaf floating down a stream. He cherished his multiple trips out West with his wife and children to watch elk, buffalo, wolves, bears and eagles soar. He also shared many memorable western hunting trips with good friends, including his late best friend Glenn "Shorty" Winkler, who passed away just weeks ago. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle with his friends; they always had such good stories.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Karen Winkler Cywinski, three daughters, Kate Cywinski of Nashville TN, and Laura and Michelle Cywinski at home; two brothers, Rick Cywinski and his wife Leni of Corry and David Cywinski and his wife Nancy of North East and three sisters, Shirley Farrell and her husband Jim of Wilmington, NC, Elaine DiRaimo and her husband Frank of Baltimore , MD and Marlene Pierce and her husband Tim of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and close family members and special friends, Charlotte Winkler, Dave and Colleen Poeta, Tim and Cindy Denial and many good friends.

Friends may call in their camouflage or casual dress, at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, 5000 Wattsburg Road (corner of Pine Ave. and East Gore Road, I-90 Exit 29) Saturday, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to the time of the service at 3 p.m. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Friends are invited to a memorial mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Friday November 27, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Research Foundation, 1001 State St., Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501.

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