Barbara Ann Reese

Barbara Ann Reese, 86, of Erie, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Forestview Nursing Home. She was born in Wilkinsburg, PA on March 29, 1940, the eldest daughter of the late John and Mary (Telisko) Harchuk.

Barbara grew up in Monroeville, PA and was a graduate of Turtle Creek High School, Clarion University and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Library Information Science. Her library career as Professor, Edinboro University culminated with thirty seven years of service.

A prose writer and poet, Barbara served as co-coordinator of “Second Tuesday” writing workshop at Mercyhurst College. With literary publications in journals, she also published her works in a collection, “Why I Write”, dedicated to her parents. She won writing awards from Graywolf Press and the Chautauqua Arts Council. She was a member of the Cliff Cox writers group in Edinboro, PA.

Barbara's love for travel took her Pakistan, Prague, Madrid and England. She traveled extensively throughout Greece and Croatia and made a pilgrimage to Mejugorje. She also traveled with her husband, Richard, to Hawaii, Paris, Scotland and Ireland.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Reese, and a brother David Harchuk. She is survived by two sons, Franklin Grippe of North Carolina and Jon Grippe of Edinboro and Utah; a brother, John A. Harchuk (Cheryl) of Apollo, PA; a sister, Valerie Harchuk Kelly (Thomas) of NJ; two grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth Malone-Grippe; nephews Jason Harchuck (Colleen), Bryan Harchuck (Nicole), and Brett Wilbur; and nieces Danielle Harchuck and Kara Schmidt (Jason).

Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 2401 West 38th St., Erie, PA on September 18th from 9 -10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m

Burial will be private in Edinboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emmaus Ministries, 219 East 11th St., Erie PA 16503. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.