In Loving Memory of Ernest John Wirick

 

Mr. Ernest (Skip) John Wirick passed away peacefully at home in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of eighty-two years old.  He was born on November 13, 1937 in Windber, Pennsylvania to Ernest Willard Wirick and Mary Elizabeth Wenckus.  Growing up in Pennsylvania, he graduated from New Kensington High School.  After serving his country in the United States Army, Ernest went on to graduate with a B.S. in Applied Science from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. In 1960, Ernest married his loving Gretchen after they met in his hometown of New Kensington.

Ernest had an extensive career in Computer Technology, working for major companies such as Teledyne Systems, Xerox, and Seagate Technology to name a few.  He even took a more entrepreneurial role as a Papa Murphy’s Franchise Owner.  He was a loving and devoted husband and father.  When he wasn’t working or attending an Elks Club or Moose Club meeting, Ernest could be found fishing, bowling, or coaching his son’s baseball and basketball teams.  He loved all things sports; watching the Dodgers, the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, but more than anything, he loved watching all of his Pennsylvania teams. GO STEELERS!!!

Ernest is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Wirick; his father, Ernest Wirick; his sisters, Arlene Coleman, Karen Marshall, and Loretta Wirick; and his brother, Richard “Bud” Wirick.  He is survived by his wife, Gretchen A. Wirick of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his daughter, Keri L. Pollakoff (Mike) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his son, Ernest J. Wirick Jr (Chris) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughter, Melissa A. Smith (Joe) of  Toledo, Oregon; grandson, Garry Conan Pollakoff (Jessica) of Sherman Oaks, California; grandson, Tyler J. Wirick (Amber) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Colleen Stevens of Rock Hill, South Carolina; and 5 great-grandchildren.  He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.