Constance Ann Minichelli

Constance Ann "Connie" Minichelli

Connie Minichelli of Erie, was born March 1, 1938 in Erie PA, the daughter of the late Charles and Sophia Wisniewski.  After a brief illness, she died with dignity and grace on September 16, 2023. Connie was strong in her Faith, her love of family, and her service to others.  She truly lived by the motto "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Connie attended St. Casimir Grade School and graduated from East High School in 1955. She was a graduate of Villa Maria College in 1959 and received her Master's Degree from Edinboro University in 1975. Connie was named Who's Who in Teachers in 1983 and was also named Lincoln School Teacher of the Year for the 1985-1986 school year. She was instrumental in initiating and integrating the Newspaper In Education Program for the Erie School District.  She taught at St. Anne's Elementary School and also taught in the Erie School District for 25 years, retiring in 1993. Serving as Adjunct Faculty at Mercyhurst University, Connie also taught and trained other educators.  Connie was a proud member of Lake Shore Country Club. 

Connie lived a life of service and generosity.  She was an active member of St. George's Catholic Church in Erie and the Immaculate Conception Church in Melbourne Beach, FL.  She was also very involved with the Carmelite Monastery in Erie, PA.  She assisted the Carmelite Nuns by transporting them to and from medical appointments, providing the Sisters with food and other essentials, and she taught her treasured Sister Pia English.  Connie organized and operated rummage sales for the Church and School. In continuing her service to others, Connie was a Hospice Volunteer for several years and also volunteered at Daily Bread, a non-profit organization feeding the homeless and others with food insecurities in Melbourne Beach, FL.   

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Jane Marie Minichelli and two brothers-in-law, Egidio Minichelli and Richard J. Minichelli, and her very special uncle, Dr. Edward J.  Czerwinski.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Frank D. Minichelli; a daughter, Karen Ann Minichelli DiMichele (Vincent); her son, Dr. Mark Richard Minichelli (Julie); three grandchildren whom she adored-Julian Edward Minichelli, Olivia Grace Minichelli, and Maria Rose Minichelli; brother, Daniel C. Wisniewski (Janet); and brother-in-law, Robert A. Minichelli (Lillian). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Her loss is immeasurable, but so is the love that Connie left behind.

A special Thank You to the more than caring and competent staff of Interim Hospice and Palliative Care; especially Kat, Jessie, Lynn, and Devon. This is a truly extraordinary agency, composed of amazing people.  Please consider donating to them in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be made to this fine organization - Interim Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Care, 2633 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Family and friends are welcomed to call on Friday September 22nd at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Saint George Church 5145 Peach Street on Saturday, September 23rd at 10:30 a.m., as well, as joining the family for the entombment at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.