June 5, 1970 – June 26, 2026
Diane Joyce Kuczynski Behr, 56, passed away peacefully in her home in Pittsburgh, PA, on Friday, June 26, 2026, after a courageous fourteen year battle with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Throughout her illness, Diane faced each day with grace and strength.
She was born on June 5, 1970, in Buffalo, NY to the late Patricia Greene and Walter Kuczynski, and was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Stephen Greene.
A graduate of Iroquois High School, class of 1988, Diane went on to earn her dental assisting certification from J.H. Thompson Academy in 1992. She spent 15 years as a dedicated dental assistant and was grateful for the time she worked with Dr. Michael Machuga, whom she deeply admired. Following her time in the dental field, Diane continued her career of helping others through customer service roles with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida the Federal Employee Program. Her professionalism, kindness, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.
On August 30, 2003, Diane married her husband of nearly 23 years, Edward (Ed) Behr. Together they built a loving home and raised their only child, Trinity Behr, who was the light of Diane’s life.
A lifelong Raiders fan, Diane will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, witty sense of humor, and the warmth she brought to every room she entered. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Patricia (Pat) Greene, who passed away on June 13, 2026; her sister, Donna Kuczynski; her father, Walter Kuczynski; her godparents, Barbara and Bob Lata; as well as her grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
Diane is survived by her stepfather, Stephen Greene; husband, Edward Behr; daughter, Trinity Behr; brother, David Kuczynski (Connie); sister, Denise Larsen (John); nephews, Matthew Stablein, Tom Bard (Jess), Zack Larsen, Alex Larsen; niece, April Alvey; and her beloved cats who were always by her side.
Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shown love, kindness, and support during this time; with special thanks to her best friend, Robyn Lata; her honorary niece, Lauryn Shamblee; AHN Hospice Nurses Sarah, Jennifer, and Morgan, and Hospice Aide, Stacy, whose support for Diane at the end of her life was invaluable.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.
In lieu flowers, Diane has requested either donations in her name to the charity of your choice, or an act of kindness, made in her memory.
Please visit http://www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to leave a condolence on Diane’s Tribute Page.
Posted online on June 29, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News