Donald “Don” Thomas Erle, 68, of Brandon, Florida passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023. It was rare that you would see Don without his signature smile on his face and living life to the fullest. He made many friends and fond memories throughout his life in New York and Florida.
He was born on November 24, 1954 to the late Thomas and Margaret Erle in Elmira, NY.
He is survived by his wife Dixie Erle; sister Loretta (Harold “Soph”) Gunderman, sister Peg (Floyd "Butch") Wise, brother Daniel "Dan" (Diana) Erle, and sister Susan "Sue" (Rick) Hall. He also has many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas “Tosh” (Virginia) Erle.
Don was passionate about a few things: NASCAR-#11 Denny Hamlin, fishing, beer, and old trucks, not necessarily in that order. He always had to have just one more race, one more fish, one more beer, or another truck to work on.
His one true love will always be his blue 55 Chevy!
He is described by others as “one of a kind” and you will never meet anyone with a bigger heart or more giving nature.
“May your beer never be empty and your cast nets always be full.”
Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 12Noon at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E Lake Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Don’s name to the American Cancer Society to help people fighting this terrible disease and to continue lifesaving research. https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/InMemoryofDonErle
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com for the Erle family.
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