"The Bear" Bernard L. Askins, Sr., 70, an Erie resident most all his life, died on Friday morning April 11, 2008 at his Erie home following a brief illness and with his loving family by his side. He was born in Bolivar, PA on February 22, 1938 a son of the late Walter and Mabel Thompson Askins. A 1956 graduate of Strong Vincent High School, he was a veteran of the army. Bernard was retired and had last worked in the warehouse at Arnone Importing Co. for over 18 years. He was a member of the Siebenbuerger, Wesleyville Athletic, and Nuova Aurora Clubs. A die hard Steeler fan, he also enjoyed bowling, bocce, and playing softball. He was well known as a softball pitcher for many years in the Erie City Fast Pitch Recreational League. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Judy Casillo Askins; 2 sons, Bernard L. Askins, Jr. and his wife Jeanne of Port St. Lucy, FL and Kevin Askins and his wife Lisa of Erie; a daughter, Jennifer L. Askins of Erie; his beloved mother in law, Mary Casillo of Erie; 4 brothers, Donald Askins and his wife Hanna and Lewis Askins and his wife Shirley, all of Erie, Phillip "Scotty" Askins and his wife Joyce of Lawrence Park, and James Askins of Girard; 2 sisters, Cindy Askins of W. Palm Beach, FL and Connie Burkett and her husband John of Bolivar, PA; 5 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved pet dog Peanut also survive. He was preceded in death by a son Paul M. Askins, Sr. on November 10, 2003 and a brother Walter E. Askins. Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, 5000 Wattsburg Road, Erie, corner of East Gore Rd. and Pine Ave., Sunday 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM and are invited to services there on Monday morning at 10:00 AM officiated by Rev. Tom O'Leary, Pastor of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Erie Co. Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.