Darryl David Bush, age 79, of Erie, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He was the only child of Gerald and Charlotte Bush of Altoona, PA.
Darryl graduated from Altoona Area High School in 1964, where he was the concert master of the orchestra throughout his senior year. After graduating from Penn State University, he worked in IT for local companies like Smith Meter and Hammermill, but music remained his passion. Darryl was a talented musician who mastered multiple string instruments including violin, guitar, banjo, dulcimer, and mandolin. He was beloved in the Erie music community, participating in several folk music jam groups, performing at the Erie Summer Festival of the Arts, and as a proud member of the Lake Erie Banjo Jammers. Darryl enjoyed being active in his church community, serving as lector, assisting minister, choir member, and bell choir member and director.
Darryl was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Charlotte Bush, and many aunts and uncles. Darryl is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine, to whom he was married for 56 years. He is further survived by two children, Dianne and David; daughter-in-law, Teresa; grandchildren, Olivia, Victoria, Alexandra, and Madelyn; and his life-long friend, John Letscher, all of whom he cherished.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Darryl at Faith Lutheran Church, 5414 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511, on Sunday, February 15th, from 2 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew Darryl to donate to the Faith Lutheran Memorial Fund or to a charity of their choice. As he always said,” the two most important things you can do in this life is learn stuff and make good music.” Darryl was greatly loved by family and friends and will be immensely missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements were handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.
Posted online on February 11, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News