Erie's Edward P. "Ted" Junker III has died. The retired Chairman and CEO of PNC Bank Northwest PA, is also remembered as a former Chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees, and a Trustee Emeritus.

Ted Junker who began his career with Marine Bank, and rose to the top after the merger with PNC, died Saturday at Hershey Medical Center. He was 79 years old.  He is remembered for his energetic support of the university and for his philanthropy in multiple arenas, including avid support for the Erie Zoo.

Junker helped lead three capital campaigns at Penn State, chaired the board of Hershey Medical Center from 2000 to 2009, overseeing a season of major expansion and the addition of a free standing children's hospital.

He focused much attention, though, on developing Penn State Behrend, where he chaired the Council of Fellows.  Ted Junker and his late wife Barbara provided scholarships for Behrend students who demonstrated leadership.  Together they made a gift that enabled Penn State Erie The Behrend College to build the Junker Center, the primary athletic complex on the campus. 

Retired PNC Bank Regional President, Marlene Mosco reflected on the loss of her friend and his legacy.  "He hired me, was a friend mentor and boss, he treated me as he treated everyone, the value of the person was so important to Ted, whether you were a dignitary or a customer who was upset, he treated everyone the same way and tried to instill that in the people who worked for him," Mosco said.  She choked up as she added, "He was a gentleman's gentleman, he really was."

Penn State Behrend Chancellor Ralph Ford called Junker's death a significant loss for Penn State and the Erie region, saying: "Ted was equally generous with his time and expertise.  We extend our deepest sympathies to his daughters Elizabeth, Barbara and Susan and their families." Burton Westlake Funeral Home is handling arrangements.