Robert "Tighe" Erie Jr.

Tighe was born to Robert "Bob" and Marie Erie and was the second of nine children and the first boy; he was a natural caretaker who mentored his siblings in any way he could. He loved spending summers with his cousins in St. Martinville where they spent their time riding horses and boating. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to waterski, swim, go skeet shooting, hunting and deep-sea fishing. He was a competitive swimmer at his Alma Mater, Catholic High School where he graduated in 1965.

As the oldest son, he spent countless hours with his father who was a Navy Pilot Instructor and owned a private plane. Bob would often fly with Tighe to visit his good friend who owned Cypress Gardens in Florida. This is where Tighe had the privilege to learn how to ski and participate in many of the show lifts and tricks. He could impress a crowd anywhere he went! He taught several of his siblings and all of his children how to ski. It was on these flights and many others that allowed Tighe to also learn how to pilot Bob's plane and they flew all over the Unites States under his father's supervision for business and pleasure.

In 1965 he joined the US Coast Guard and was sworn in by his father. During boot camp his instructors tried to recruit him to become a Coxswain Instructor post-graduation, he humbly declined stating that he "couldn't talk to people the way that they did". This was a testament to his kind heart and loving nature.

While he was home on leave, Tighe generously gave a ride home to a young man whose mother insisted he stay for watermelon. It was in this kitchen where Tighe met his wife of 52 years and that young man became his brother-in-law. This was serendipitous since a family friend had been trying to set them up on a blind date for months. Once they met in person the magic happened! Tighe married Priscilla on July 2, 1970 and ended active service to start his family with her. They raised 4 children Ann Marie, Heather Leigh, Rachael Mary and Alexander Tighe.

Tighe went into the family business started by his father in 1954 called ERO Incorporated. There he was involved in commercial construction for specialty doors and other building supplies. He was an industry expert and relied upon by his suppliers for special projects and problem-solving skills. Tighe brought his children to work with him in summers where they assisted with installations and all aspects of working in the store. He ingrained strong morals and work ethic into his children; he was a dedicated and meticulous worker who believed in "doing things right the first time".

Tighe's life was one of love, compassion, understanding, and dedication to his wife and support of his children. He attended all of his children's activities, enjoyed auctions and antique shopping with his wife. He had the mind of an engineer and could fix anything handed to him. His love, devotion and support will be sincerely missed and remembered for all time by his family and friends who survive him. HE WILL FOREVER BE OUR HERO!

Tighe is survived by his children: Ann Marie Erie, Rachael Mary Hopp (Nathan), and Alexander Tighe Erie (Megan); grandchildren: Anna Raquel, Kylie Tighe, Juliana Marie, Jenna Storm, Nora Lucille Ann and Silas Ortaire; siblings: Nol Marie Erie Dear (Cleveland Jr), Yvonne Claire Erie Kayser (James), Mark Charles Erie (Kathy), Marie Celine Erie (Leobardo), Ellen Lillian Erie Case ("Larry"), Karl John Erie (Tracy), Lee Paul Erie (Kathy) and Dorothy Ann Erie (Ford).

He is predeceased death by his wife loving wife, Priscilla Ann Eversull Erie; their infant son; daughter, Heather Leigh Erie Cullipher; mother, Marie Dugas Erie and father, Robert Tighe Erie Sr.

Funeral Services to be held on Saturday, April 26 at St. George Catholic Church 7808 St. George Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 in the church.

9am-11am Visitation

11am-12pm Mass of Christian Burial

1pm Interment in Church Mausoleum