Paul Vincent Dwyer Sr. (1913-2006)

“Let’s Be Friends”

Paul Vincent Dwyer, Sr. Age 92, died at Saint Mary’s Asbury Ridge on February 27, 2006. Paul was a gift to all who knew him, with ever a smile on his face and ‘not a bad word to say.’ He was a pied piper to children and regularly communicated with ‘The Man in Chicago.’ His laughter, stories and unique verbage will live on in our hearts.

Paul was born the third of seven children of Anna Ryan and James Bernard Dwyer in Buffalo, NY on August 18, 1913. The family moved to Erie in 1924, when his father took over the Firch Baking Company. Paul and his brother John successfully continued and ran the business and eventually expanded their markets into New York and Ohio. “Little Miss Sunbeam” the girl on the wrapper of Firch’s Sunbeam Bread became a well known icon and household name in the Erie area. The “Let’s Be Friends” television show sponsored by the Firch Baking Company and starring Paul allowed him to showcase his eloquence and affability as the show’s enthusiastic emcee along with the talent of many citizens and performers in the Erie area in the early days of television. Later in his career he worked at C.A. Curtze and with both his sons in their businesses.

Paul attended the University of Pittsburgh. He married Patty (Ethel

Mae) Grant on November 18, 1939 and together they started their own family. He enlisted in the Army in World War II. Paul was a founding member of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and very active with Independent Grocers throughout the area.

Paul was a daily communicant at St. Jude the Apostle Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Loretta Dwyer Webb, Nancy Dwyer Brinig, and Mary Jane Dwyer, brother John Ryan Dwyer; daughter-in-law Mary Crowe Dwyer; and granddaughter Mary Vinca.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years Patty; sons Paul II and his wife Sharon of Rochester, NY; Dennis Grant Dwyer of Big Canoe, Georgia; daughters: Ann Dwyer Vinca and her husband Tom of Waterford; Loretta Dwyer Schaal and her husband Craig, and Mary Dwyer of Erie. Thirteen grandchildren (the delight of his life) and one great-grandchild. Brother Judge James B. Dwyer and his wife Margie, and sister Ruth Dwyer Baldwin. Many niece, nephews and greats.

Memorials may be made to the Charity of One’s Choice.

Paul was always patient and kind

Paul was never jealous

Paul was not boastful or conceited

Paul was not rude

and never sought his own advantage

Paul did not take ...

Read more »

“Let’s Be Friends”

Paul Vincent Dwyer, Sr. Age 92, died at Saint Mary’s Asbury Ridge on February 27, 2006. Paul was a gift to all who knew him, with ever a smile on his face and ‘not a bad word to say.’ He was a pied piper to children and regularly communicated with ‘The Man in Chicago.’ His laughter, stories and unique verbage will live on in our hearts.

Paul was born the third of seven children of Anna Ryan and James Bernard Dwyer in Buffalo, NY on August 18, 1913. The family moved to Erie in 1924, when his father took over the Firch Baking Company. Paul and his brother John successfully continued and ran the business and eventually expanded their markets into New York and Ohio. “Little Miss Sunbeam” the girl on the wrapper of Firch’s Sunbeam Bread became a well known icon and household name in the Erie area. The “Let’s Be Friends” television show sponsored by the Firch Baking Company and starring Paul allowed him to showcase his eloquence and affability as the show’s enthusiastic emcee along with the talent of many citizens and performers in the Erie area in the early days of television. Later in his career he worked at C.A. Curtze and with both his sons in their businesses.

Paul attended the University of Pittsburgh. He married Patty (Ethel
Mae) Grant on November 18, 1939 and together they started their own family. He enlisted in the Army in World War II. Paul was a founding member of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and very active with Independent Grocers throughout the area.

Paul was a daily communicant at St. Jude the Apostle Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Loretta Dwyer Webb, Nancy Dwyer Brinig, and Mary Jane Dwyer, brother John Ryan Dwyer; daughter-in-law Mary Crowe Dwyer; and granddaughter Mary Vinca.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years Patty; sons Paul II and his wife Sharon of Rochester, NY; Dennis Grant Dwyer of Big Canoe, Georgia; daughters: Ann Dwyer Vinca and her husband Tom of Waterford; Loretta Dwyer Schaal and her husband Craig, and Mary Dwyer of Erie. Thirteen grandchildren (the delight of his life) and one great-grandchild. Brother Judge James B. Dwyer and his wife Margie, and sister Ruth Dwyer Baldwin. Many niece, nephews and greats.

Memorials may be made to the Charity of One’s Choice.

Paul was always patient and kind
Paul was never jealous
Paul was not boastful or conceited
Paul was not rude
and never sought his own advantage

Paul did not take offense
or store up grievances
Paul did not rejoice in wrongdoing
but found joy in truth

Paul always made allowances
always trusted
always hoped
and endured what was given him

Paul lived the teaching love as I have loved you.

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