James Patrick (Pat) Karle, age 78, died at home on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. He was born on September 11, 1938, in Erie, PA. He leaves behind a loving family: wife, Audrey; sons, Michael Karle and Douglas Karle; daughter, Jill Gerard, and her husband, Philip Gerard, and grandchildren, Ashley and Patrick Leahman; Audrey's children, Christopher and Aaron Forsyth, and granddaughter, Ava Forsyth; Gerry Gustafson Lee, mother of his children; sister, Margaret (Peggy) Vommaro and nephews, Michael and Mark Vommaro and their families; his brother John Salamon and his family; cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Edward Salamon and father, Robert Karle; brother, Thomas Karle; and sister, Geraldine Salamon. Pat enjoyed many happy years and celebrations with his family and friends. As a boy, he attended Saint Ann's School and Cathedral Prep School in Erie, PA. In 1966, he joined Hubbard-Bert, INC and in 1982 became a partner. At this time, the company was renamed Hubbard Bert Karle Weber INC. His career was filled with many successes—including the Million Dollar Round Table, the New England Life Hall of Fame, the New England Life Leader's Association, Erie Life Underwriters Association, and Northwestern PA Chapter of American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. He was a long-time member of The Kahkwa Club, enjoying many years with the Dawn Patrol. In 1994, he won the Joseph C. Martin EDGA Seniors Tournament. In later years, he joined Mayacoo Country Club in West Palm Beach. He served the club in many capacities in his 25 years of membership including Board of Directors, Finance Chairman, a Founder of Mayacoo II, and CEO of the Men's Card Room. He was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Palm Beach, FL. Services will be held at Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL, 33411. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 18, from 6 to 8 pm and on Monday, September 19, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The Rite of Catholic Burial will be held at 11:00 am at the Palms West Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life and Committal Service will be held in Erie at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jimmy Keim Scholarship Fund, Gannon University, 109 West 6th Street, Erie PA 16501; the Kahwka Club Scholarship Fund (The Caddy Fund), 3300 Kahkwa Club Road, Erie PA 16505; or to a charity of your choice.
