No one has loved their family more than Ernie. His daughters Kelly and her husband Mike, Elizabeth and his son Andrew and his wife Kelly.
Ernie was married to his loving wife Janet, for 35 years. He helped raise his stepson, Jeffrey Lang. He also enjoyed his five grandchildren, Hannah, Grace, Rhett, Joshua and Ava as well as one great granddaughter Quinn, all of whom he loved dearly.
Ernie lived a very full and rewarding life. He went into the Navy at age 18 and served 4 years. He worked in his parents' appliance store in Pennsauken, New Jersey. He delivered merchandise in his dad's truck, becoming quite well known to local police.
Ernie liked to ditch school whenever he could get away with it. The school administrator would send his brother, Walt, to fetch him back to class. Walt knew exactly where to find him...the local fishing pond.
In 1960, Ernie and his first wife, Teresa and their small daughter, Nancy, moved from New Jersey to Fresno, California. He went to work at Turpen's Furniture store in the tower district, delivering furniture.
July of 1961, he went to work at the Fresno Police Department as a patrolman, Badge # 212, and later as a detective where he received many letters of commendation and certificates of appreciation.
Ernie and his fellow officer, Weldon Griffith, became fiercely competitive handball players and represented the Fresno Police Department with pride. Ernie also served on the Police Department Credit Union board, serving in all of the officer positions. He also served as the treasurer for Clovis Elks Lodge for nine years.
After 23 years serving with the Fresno Police Department, he retired only to go to work at the Federal Building as a court security officer for the Bankruptcy judges. The ladies at work noticed Ernie walking through the office more than usual. This is where he met Janet and they have been married for 35 years.
On a more personal thought, Janet states it has been an enjoyable journey. They enjoyed traveling, mostly to the coast with their motorhome making long-lasting friendships along the way.
He will be missed for his caring attitude, his way of showing his love and his sense of humor and as a humble man.
One questions how this terrible disease can happen to your loved one, but we have to remember that his life isn't measured just by its end; it's measured by the love he gave, the hands he used to help others and to build his life. He left his mark on those of us who had the honor of knowing him.
We shall meet again, my sweet husband, in Heaven with Jesus. I love you.
