Ernest "Ernie" A. Dire

A lifelong resident of Everett, Washington, Ernie was born on October 28, 1937 to Antonio “Tony” Dire and Diodata “Dora” Mazzutto. He was the fifth of six children and their only son. His parents immigrated to America from Roccamondolfi, Compabasso in Italy. Ernie was extremely proud of his Italian heritage.

Graduating from Everett High School in 1955, Ernie was a leader and highly regarded by his classmates who elected him Student Body President his senior year. He was a talented athlete, participating in track, wresting, and what would become a lifelong passion . . . football. He played for legendary coach, Jim Ennis and assistant coach, Bill Dunn who both became dear friends and mentors. Ernie was a talented, colorful running back. The Everett Seagulls were ranked 10th in the state his senior year, and several of the players on that team remained close friends throughout their lives—many of them working together in the Everett School District.

Following high school, Ernie played football for Everett Community College. He received a scholarship to play for the University of Oregon Ducks, and after a year found a better opportunity at Sacramento State University where he played football and earned a degree in Education. He eventually went back to school and earned his Masters of Administration from Seattle University.

Ernie worked for the Everett School District for over 30 years and touched many lives. It was not uncommon for former students to approach him and thank him for the influence he had on them. Within the district he wore many hats. He was a teacher, a coach, and an administrator, eventually becoming the athletic director. He also ran the driver’s education program and the summer school program for several years. After he retired in 1992, he went back to work for the district’s Kids in Transition program, driving students to various schools in the district. He loved this job and the children he got to connect with each day.

The most important thing in Ernie’s life was his family. There wasn’t a sporting event, drama production, dance recital, graduation, or birthday party that he missed no matter how far he had to travel to be there. His family will miss his nightly phone calls, the trips to Leavenworth, his endless stories and jokes, and dinners at whatever restaurant was his favorite at the time.

Surviving Ernie is his loving wife of 23 years, Patricia who compassionately loved and cared for him during his illness. He is also survived by his first wife, Penny and their five children, Debra (Don) Sherman of Coupeville, Paul Dire (Heath Smith) of Whittaker, Michigan, Lynda (Tom) Powell of Mukilteo, Jeff Dire of Marysville, and Laurie (Brian) Cole of Snohomish. Ernie was also proud to call Todd Hild and Stacie (Ron) Klein , both from Arlington, his step-children. He leaves behind his adoring grandchildren Brad (Abbey) Sherman, Bryan (Chelsea) Sherman, Tony Sherman, Parker Powell, McKenna Powell, Nico Dire, Hunter Dire, Emma Cole, Payton Cole, Savannah Hild, Kali Klein, and Skylar Klein. He leaves three sisters, Lena (Leonard) Rochon of Everett, Mafalda (Jerry) Gerdon of South Carolina, and Vera (Jim) Buell of Marysville and many nieces and nephews who looked up to their Uncle Ernie. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two sisters, Adeline (Larry) Rochon, and Lisa Thacker.

A rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m. for family and friends wishing to participate, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church - 2617 Cedar Ave. Everett, WA 98201. A reception will follow at Hensen Hall. There will be a private Burial at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mark Coughenour and his staff for the compassionate care they provided.

Donations may be made, in memory of Ernie Dire, to the Everett Public School Foundation, P.O. Box 3112

Everett, WA 98213; or, the American Cancer Society at americancancersociety.org.