Edward Peter Ertle II, 61, passed away suddenly in New York City on June 20, 2016 following a heart attack. Born in Massillon to Alice (Heitger) and Edward Ertle, the eldest of five, he was a stellar student at St Mary's Grade School (1968), Central Catholic High School (1972), and the University of Detroit (1976). He relocated to Manhattan in 1980 and made it his home, and was an 8-time NYC marathon runner, avid biker & fitness guru, and passionate lover of the arts, games, and NYTimes crossword puzzle--in ink! Ed was crazy about the beach, hot peppers, the seasons, holiday celebrations (especially Christmas), and above all, family, friends and God. He served as an altar boy for St. Mary's Catholic Church and attended Mass there whenever in town. A unique one-of-a-kind spirit, he is simply irreplaceable and will be deeply missed.
Eddie was preceded in death by his father Edward and is survived by his mother, Alice of Canton; partner Gary Harkins of NYC; sisters Marianne (David) Julian of Upper Marlboro, MD and Julie (Chuck) Eberhardt of Canal Fulton; brothers Rick Ertle of North Canton and Jim (Jennifer) Ertle of Green; loving nieces and nephews Chas (Michelle) Eberhardt, Laura (Brian) Mollenshott, Sam & Max Ertle, Lucas & Lindsey Julian, Andrew & Meagan Ertle; great-nephew and -nieces Cayden, Kylee & Everly; and many other dear relatives and friends.
Friends and family held a Celebration of Life in NYC on June 30, followed by a gathering at the Boat Basin Café where Ed worked. Locally, a Mass of Christian burial will be held July 16, at 10 A.M. at St Paul's Lutheran in Massillon with Rev. Edward Gretchko, Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Mgsr. James Kolp con-celebrants. Calling hours precede at 9am at the church. Interment at St Mary's Cemetery will follow. Heitger Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made in Eds name to St. Marys Restoration Fund, 726 First St. N.E., Massillon, Oho  44646