Dr. John Francis Erbland Ph.D., D.M.D.
Augusta, GA – Entered into rest Friday, November 26, 2010, Dr. John Francis Erbland, 80, husband of Nancy Whipple Erbland.
Dr. Erbland, a native of Fairport, NY was born on October 6, 1930 to Walter and Ada Erbland. He was a 1953 graduate of the University of Rochester, NY where he also received his Ph. D. in Biochemistry in 1963. He began his career as a research scientist at Strong Memorial Hospital and continued with Monsanto Company in Everett, MA in 1967. In 1972 he started as a special student, teaching Biochemistry and studying Dentistry at the MCG School of Dentistry and received his D.M.D in 1975. From 1975 to 1996 he was an Associate Professor of Biochemistry, teaching and doing research. Dr. Erbland retired in 1996.
Dr. Erbland was active in many organizations during his life. He worked with the Cub Scouts (Cub Master) and Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball, and served in the Lions Club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degrees. Dr. Erbland volunteered with Habitat for Humanity serving as President in 2000-2001, Interfaith Hospitality Network, and participated in volunteer church work at St. Teresa of Avila and St. Mary on the Hill. He was a Community Service Board representative for Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse of East Central Georgia for 4 years, serving as President of the Board for one year. Dr. Erbland received the Bishop Gartland Service Award for distinguished contributions to his parish and the Diocese of Savannah in 2001.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Elizabeth, brothers Philip, James, and Thomas; daughter: Joanna Caputa (Lewis); sons: Peter (Diane), Mark (Cathy), Timothy, and Christopher; grandchildren: Maggie and Mary Caputa, Andrew, Daniel, Courtney, Casey, and Christy Erbland.
Preceding Dr. Erbland in death were his parents, his sisters Rita and Helen, and brothers Walter and William.
A short Vigil service will be held at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Home, 214 Davis Rd. Augusta, GA, to be followed by visitation with the family until 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Father Gerald Ragan celebrant. Interment will follow at a later date. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Narthex.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 657, Augusta, GA 30903, Interfaith Hospitality Network, 2177 Central Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904, or Trinity Hospice of Augusta, 2803 Wrightsboro Rd # 38, Augusta, GA 30909-3994.
The family extends its gratitude to Trinity Hospice and Fredda Dear as well as to Pat Douglas and Sharon DiMenna, Ecumenical Ministers for St Mary’s Church for their loving care and support.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at
www.thomaspoteet.com