Edward John "Sonny" Erb, Jr

Edward John ‘Sonny’ Erb Jr., 85 of Elyria peacefully passed away in his home Friday, August 30, 2024 after battling an illness.  He was born November 29, 1938 to Edward J. and Helen M. Erb (nee Hughes) and resided in Elyria his entire life.  Sonny was a 1956 graduate of Elyria High School, and then attended National Radio & TV School for electronics. He went on to proudly serve with the US Army in Germany as a color guard of President John F. Kennedy. After receiving his honorable discharge, he came home to raise a family and work alongside his father for more than four decades at Erb Radio & TV, Inc. on Middle Avenue. Sonny lived a simple life and loved being with people, especially friends and family. He enjoyed his Elyria Elks Lodge 465 bowling team which he helped sponsor for more than 50 years, playing cards and drinking his ‘Miller Lite’. He was an active member in several area clubs including being a life member of the Elyria Elks for 66 years, American Legion Post 12, AmVets, Eagles Club and the Polish Club. 

Sonny is survived by the love of his life, Gail (nee Murphy) Barney, of 40 years; daughters, Jamie (nee Erb) Orians (Kevin), Erin (nee Barney) Carpenter (Lyle) and Kristen Barney; grandchildren Samuel (Kelsey) Orians, Mason Orians, Sydney Orians, Alexander (Alexandra) Burlij, Andrew Joseph Burlij and Lauren Burlij; sister Shirley (nee Erb) Messaros; along with two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his son, Edward Jeffrey Erb III; father Edward J. Erb Sr., and mother Helen M. (nee Hughes) Erb/Richert.

The family will have a private celebration of Sonny’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Elyria Elks Lodge 465 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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