Dennis Paul Cerami

Dennis Paul Cerami

Dennis Paul Cerami, 70, of Erie, passed away Friday, February 23, 2018 at his residence, surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous 18 month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme. He was born March 7, 1947 in Erie, a son of the late Paul and Mary Messina Cerami.

Dennis was a Cathedral Prep graduate, class of 1965, and a graduate of Gannon University, where he received undergraduate and graduate degrees. After many years working in adult education and career counseling, he became a guidance counselor at North East High School, retiring in 2017. Dennis was a member of the Erie Runner's Club and was known to many as one of the "Noon Time Downtown YMCA Runners." He was a passionate artist and a member of the NPAA. He enjoyed attending art shows and displaying his own artwork in local galleries. Dennis's greatest love and joy was his family. He was very active in his children's lives, coaching them in soccer, basketball, and running. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and papa.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marikae Herron Cerami of Erie; son, Kyle Cerami (Cristen Lain) of Chicago, IL; daughter, Loren Cerami (Jason Sickler) of Arlington MA; grandchildren Emilia and Natalie Sickler; brother, Paul Cerami (Debbi Green) of Berkeley, CA and their children, Ben and Sara; special sister-in-law, Kelli Braendel; and special cousin, Al Messina. He is also survived by many cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and beloved dogs, Zeke and Coco.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Tuesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Service there on Wednesday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank AseraCare Hospice, especially Darla, Rita, and Juliana, for the wonderful care given to Dennis.