Donald William Staaf Ii

Donald William Staaf II

Donald William Staaf II, 40, of Erie, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021 at his residence. Known by many as Donnie or 'D-Staaf', he was born January 30, 1981 in Erie, a son of Mary Bender Rentz and Tony Rentz and Donald W. Staaf.

Above all else, Donnie had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and loved all of his family and dearest friends. Donnie was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He went above and beyond the call of duty again and again to help strangers in need and to spread the love of God. Donnie's spiritual connection was visible and infectious. He touched so many lives in such a positive way and will be missed by many!

Donnie attended Sacred Heart Grade School. He shared many fond memories with his Maple Street crew. He also attended Mercyhurst Prep High School. Donnie was an avid athlete, excelling in baseball and football at Mercyhurst Prep. As a halfback, Donnie led the Metro League in scoring in 1998, while leading his team in rushing and receiving. He was second in the league for home runs in 1997. His Mercyhurst baseball team won the Metro League championship in 1999.

After attending Mercyhurst College, Donnie entered the military and served in the United States Air Force as an aviation mechanic.

Upon returning to Erie, Donnie worked for several years at Odis 12 Bar and Grill, where he made lifelong friendships and met his wife, Erin.

Donnie showed love to his wife and children every single day. He stepped up and filled a role in his family's life with strength and integrity. He truly was his wife's best friend. His children would welcome him with love when he came through the door.

Donnie had a special relationship with his mother, which enabled him to have a nurturing and passionate heart. He knew he was blessed to have the support of his parents, older sister and her children, and younger brother and his son. They always had his back, especially his big sister. He wouldn't have been the man he was if it wasn't for the love, protection and encouragement of each of these family members.

Donnie was proud of his work as a union carpenter, serving on multiple construction projects throughout the region. He took pride in his current position with M-E Construction.

For many years, Donnie struggled with addiction. His life began to turn around when he found God, recovery, and a group of people who are like family. All who knew Donnie witnessed his deep love for Jesus, his wife, their children – and the service he gave through acts of kindness. No matter what struggle he encountered, he placed his trust in God. He ended each night with gratitude and each week with praise and worship at his home fellowship, Elevate Church.

Anyone who called him a friend knew he held them in his heart. His impact on others, and this community, was powerful. He left a lasting impression with anyone who knew him.

One of Donnie's favorite Bible passages, Romans 12:2, showed his heart to do God's will and to serve others: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Josephine Bender and paternal grandparents, Eugene and Frances Marion Staaf.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Erin Buseck Staaf; children, Torey, Kaidyn, and Bo; sister, Shelby Staaf; brother, Anthony Rentz; mother-in-law, Mary Carol Becker Buseck; grandmother, Anna Rentz; nephews and niece, Damion, Nevaeh, and Anthony Jr. On his wife's side he is survived by Barbara and Rick MacFarland, Jennifer Buseck, Craig von Buseck, Scott von Buseck, Dawn Buseck, Sean von Buseck, and 10 nieces and nephews, his close friend, Hughie, as well as many cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Erie City Mission, New Life Program, 1017 French St., Erie, PA 16501.