Ernesto (“Ernest”) Natale Bellantoni peacefully passed from this life on March 26, 2020, at his home, with his loving children at his side. Ernie and his twin brother Gabriele (“Gabe”) were born in Paterson, NJ on December 24, 1933 to Rocco and Maria (Morabito) Bellantoni. He was a mechanical genius and excelled in academics and track at Eastside HS in Paterson. After graduation, he drove across the country to Tucson, AZ where he served as a Radar Equipment Operator in the US Army at Ft. Huachuca, AZ from 1957-59. He continued his education at the University of Arizona majoring in Physics/Electronic Engineering. Ernie married his sweetheart, Alicia Cheechoff, in 1961. Shortly after getting married, they relocated to San Diego and proudly purchased their forever home where they raised their four children. Ernie worked for 50+ years as an Electronic Engineer at various San Diego engineering companies: General Dynamics, Global Marine, NAVLEX, and later retiring from SPAWAR.
He was always fascinated with the Bellantoni genealogy and history and spent countless hours compiling family trees and contacting distant relatives throughout the US and Italy forging close relationships that will last for generations. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Italy with each of his children and introducing his kids to all their Italian cousins. He was proud of his Italian heritage and loved sharing the family history. His legacy as the family historian will live on forever through the connections he made in Italy and across the US.
Ernest is survived by his four loving children: Domenica Goodwillie (Bruce), Danielle Rigney, Paul Bellantoni (Renee), and Michael “Rocco” Bellantoni; adoring grandchildren: Kristin (Cody), Bryan, Solomon, Anita, Rebecca & Sarah, Kelsie and Giana. In addition, he leaves behind his dearly loved younger brother, Joe of Bergen, NJ and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Ernest is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Alicia, and his beloved twin, Gabe.
Ernest was laid to rest beside Alicia in a private ceremony on April 2, 2020 at Holy Cross Cemetery.
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