Jerome G. "Jerry" Pryber, 56 of Erie died Sunday November 4, 2007, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in Erie, March 10, 1951 son of the late Jerome H. and Georgeann Hanson Pryber.

Jerry graduated from Strong Vincent High School, then he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was employed by GE until his retirement in 2006. He was a life member of the Erie Maennerchor Club, where he previously served on the Board of Directors. He was an avid scuba diver and certified NAUI Dive Master, and he played and coached GE Softball and was the ultimate sports fan.

He loved all forms of travel, especially his 40+ cruises. Jerry's mission in life was to make others happy and he accomplished that mission. Above all he cherished his family, especially his nieces and nephews, and he will be sadly missed by everyone he touched. Jerry's motto was "You can get busy livin’ or you can get busy dyin’", and he chose to "get busy livin’."

Survivors include his wife of 24 years Bonnie Hartman Pryber of Erie; his sister Holly Ann Hewett and her husband Dr. Charles of Erie, and nieces and nephews, Madison, Harrison, Mackenzie and Hunter Hewett.

Friends may call at the Carl A. Slomski & Son Funeral Home Inc. 2101 Ash St. on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. & 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Andrew’s Church at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or to the John Kanzius Research Fund. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits

Published in the Erie Times-News from 11/6/2007 - 11/7/2007.