Phillip L. Cranston, 58, of Huachuca City, Ariz., and formerly of Erie, passed away Dec. 31, 2007, after he succumbed to a heart attack following a two-year battle with cancer. He was born Mar. 31, 1949, in Erie, to Helen Osuna Cranston and the late William L. Cranston.

He was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School. Phillip was a character in life. He loved family and friends and was generous and giving. He was a two time purple heart recipient during the Vietnam War. We will miss his sense of humor and smile. He was preceded in death by his sister Eloise Gomola and great nephew Xaviar Thor.

He is survived by a son Shawn (Heidi) Cranston, grandchildren Loraine and Jonathan Cranston, brother Joseph (Sandy) Cranston, sisters, Nancy (Andy) Fair, Leith (Chuck) Thor and brother-in-law Frank Gomola, many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend Samantha Davis of Austrailia whom he was to marry Feb. 14, 2008.

Services will be held Sat. Jan. 19, 2008, at 1 p.m., with a wake following at Mill Village Fire Department, PO Box 6L, N. Main St., Mill Village, PA 16427.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or Mill Village Fire Department.