Donald Robert Empey, age 73, of Erie, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, following a brief illness. He was born in Erie on December 22, 1950, son of the late Myles Clayton Empey and Genevieve Waibel Empey Cosper.

Don was a 1969 graduate of McDowell High School. He attended Edinboro State College before serving in the United States Air Force as a Sergeant from 1971 to 1976 in Thailand as an Air Traffic Control Operator. Don worked for his brother, Harry, at Industrial Precision Services before working at PHB, Inc. While at PHB, he held various roles within the machining division to include sales and research and development, retiring in 2012.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed hunting, playing softball, and bowling. He especially loved being on Presque Isle and spending his summers at his camp with his sister and many camp friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl A. Snider Empey and son, Cory R. Empey. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Harry E. Cosper, and his brother-in-law, Robert S. Penkalski.

He is survived by his children: Jeffrey M. Empey, Cody C. Empey (Michael W. Pruzinsky), Kati J. Empey (Colton T. Perschka), and Jeremy E. Snider (Erin G. Oberlander); grandchildren: Cortly, Jacob, Briana, Jayden, Dakota, Kora, and Marley; a beloved sister, Patricia A. Empey Penkalski (Joseph Henderson); a sister-in-law, Carol Cosper, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are warmly invited to call at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th St., on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and are invited to attend the Funeral Service there on Friday at 6 p.m. to be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Richard W. McCarty, Pastor, Community United Church. Full military honors will follow. Memorial contributions may be designated to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Robert Johns Erie Co #73, 135 E 38th St 2nd Fl, Erie, Pennsylvania 16508. To send condolences please visit www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.