John H. and Santina M. Gorndt

John H. and Santina M. Gorndt

Together in love and peace

John Herman Gorndt and Santina Mae Gorndt of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones - John on September 29, 2025, and Santina on March 27, 2024. Married for 64 wonderful years, they shared a life rooted in faith, love, and adventure.

John was born on July 12, 1935, in Erie to the late Herman and Miriam Gorndt. After serving two years of active duty in the U.S. Army, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and later a master's in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve. John spent 38 years working at Lord Corporation, where his dedication and innovation led to seven patents within the Aerospace Division.

Santina was born on May 2, 1937, in Erie to the late Santo and Assunta Chianello. A graduate of Academy High School, she began her career as an X-ray Technician before dedicating her time to raising their children, James and Leanne. She later worked as a school secretary for the Millcreek School District. Santina was known for her artistry as a seamstress and enjoyed being an active membership of the local Sewing Guild.

John and Santina married on June 13, 1959, and built a beautiful life together. They were longtime members of the Church of the Cross, where their faith and generosity touched many. Their shared passions for travel, boating, and golf led to countless memories, both proudly achieving multiple holes-in-one on the golf course. They also cherished time with friends, especially around a good game of cards. After retirement, they spent their winters in North Fort Myers, Florida, enjoying the close-knit Lake Fairways community.

Above all, John and Santina were devoted parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. They found their greatest joy in family. Teaching golf and sewing, playing cards, sharing stories, and traveling together. Their love, laughter, and quiet strength will forever live on in the lives they shaped.

They are survived by their children, James (Eileen) Gorndt and Leanne (Douglas) Gooch; grandchildren Brian (Cameron) Gooch, Tara (Nicholas) McCloskey, Renee (Michael) Dudzinski, and Casey (Eric) Kafury; and seven great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his brother, Thomas (Jeanne) Gorndt. They were preceded in death by their parents and Santina's sister, Jeanne Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Springhill Retirement Community in Erie, PA, where John and Santina found joy, friendship, and purpose in the Asbury community programs. Donate to Asbury Springhill here.