Ernest P. Neri

“Variety is the spice of life”, was something his mother always said, and Ernest Peter Neri lived it. Ernest was born in New Haven, CT, and lived in several other cities in Connecticut and Maine. He passed away on January 09, 2024 at the age of 79 in Clinton, CT. He was the son of Peter and Phyllis Neri of North Haven, CT.

Ernie attended the Eli Whitney Trade School in Hamden, CT, then returned to North Haven where he graduated from North Haven High School with honors in the industrial arts. Ernie was a ham radio enthusiast during this time. Soon after graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1963-1967. He returned to Connecticut after his service and attended Southern Connecticut State College where he earned a B.A. in Science in 1971. One memorable fun art event while at college was covering an old car in spaghetti. In 1993 he continued his education by attending Connecticut State University for advanced studies in Administration-Supervision.

During his lifetime he managed to renovate and live in 19 different homes. He was a fun-loving and adventurous soul who lived in a Victorian home, in a tent as a park ranger, and in a restored Quonset hut. He was quite the innovator - always seeking something new and different. He also lived on a boat in New Haven Harbor in 1994 when he invented a floating key fob.

Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed many hobbies, several of which turned into businesses. His interest in hot food led to his Havoc Maker Hot Sauce business. With his lifelong interest in art, The Copper Potter was born. There, he sold his unique copper sculptures and pottery. Later, he sold custom jewelry that he made. Some of his public sculptures can now be viewed in downtown Clinton, CT.

His full-time work included teaching math and art at Fairfield Hills Hospital, and later at the Connecticut Valley Hospital where he was a general teacher for residents in the traumatic brain injury unit. There

he also started a small radio station. Besides his art creations and teaching career, he was also an accomplished musician. He enjoyed many jam sessions that were filled with laughter and joy when singing old songs with his siblings (who were also musicians) whenever they got together. He was also a creative jazz pianist.

Ernest Neri leaves brothers Peter of South Royalton, VT, Paul (Eileen) of Clinton, CT, and sister Mary (John) King of Davis, CA, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A remembrance will take place at a later date. Interested parties will be notified for place and time.

Any donations in his honor can be made for hospice at Seasons Hospice Care: https://seasonsfoundation.org/