Ernest Gilchrist Wigfield Jr.

WIGFIELD, Ernest Gilchrist, Jr. 87, of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 24th, 2020. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Wilma Wigfield. Amazing father to Katherine de Leon and husband Armando de Leon of Old Bridge, NJ and Jennifer Kelly and husband James Patrick Kelly, III of Morristown, NJ. Loving grandfather to Alexandra de Leon and James Patrick Kelly, IV. Dear uncle of Dorothy Lynn Shinpock of Staunton, VA and Michael Shinpock of Afton, VA.

Ernie was born in Harrisburg, PA son of the late Ernest G. Wigfield, Sr. and Dorothea Wolfe Wigfield. He attended Carson Long Military Academy in Bloomfield, PA and then went on to attend and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University. He then joined the Navy, attending officer candidate school in Newport, RI. Ernie spent his entire career in sales retiring as a National Sales Manager for a division of Archer Daniels Midland Company.

Ernie loved to travel and took numerous trips with friends and family around the world. He especially enjoyed his many trips to Scotland and winters in Florida socializing with friends and playing lots of golf. Ernie was an avid golfer and a member of Glen Ridge Country Club for over 40 years as well as a long-time parishioner of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hillsdale, NJ. He loved watching sports and never missed an opportunity to root for his Duke Blue Devils.

Ernie will be forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s association. A memorial tribute page has been set up in honor of Ernie @: Act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=660554

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, all services will be private. Friends are welcome to pay their respects in person upon the conclusion of the inurnment at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood, NJ on Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 @ 11:20 am. (Enter through back entrance, 546 Franklin Turnpike entrance).