Ernest Calore

Ernest Calore, age 100, passed away peacefully at his home on September 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Elsie M. (Sardelli) Calore, the love of his life.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Salvatore and Rose (Bianco) Calore. His father was born in Tiana, Caserta, Italy, and his mother was born in America to a family with roots in Cuomo, Italy. Ernest grew up in the Neutaconkanut Hill area of Providence’s Silver Lake neighborhood and was raised in large part by his grandparents, Giuseppe and Madalene (Zompa) Calore, both of whom came from Cuomo, Italy.

Growing up with humble beginnings, Ernest learned the value of hard work and perseverance at an early age. Resourceful and determined, he was always finding ways to earn money and improve his family’s circumstances, eventually becoming proud to purchase a home for his parents.

At just 18 years old, Ernest answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army and proudly serving during World War II. His military service was one of the earliest chapters in a long life defined by courage, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in hard work.

Following the war, Ernest owned and operated a square and country dance hall in Johnston, where he met Elsie and began a love story that would last a lifetime. He later built a successful career in the trucking and common carrier industry. Beginning with just one truck, Ernest grew his business to include three terminals in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. His Rhode Island terminal was so thoughtfully designed that the property would later become a tractor-trailer training facility.

Highly respected within the trucking industry, Ernest served as President of the Rhode Island Truck Owners Association from 1976 to 1978 and was recently honored by the organization for his contributions. He was well known for his influential presence at trucking and safety meetings and for the experience and knowledge he shared with others.

Ernest was also generous with his time and enjoyed mentoring Brown University medical students, providing many of them with jobs on his freight dock while they pursued their education. He especially enjoyed playing basketball with them during their lunch breaks.

Outside of work, Ernest embraced life with enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit. He sponsored a car at Seekonk Speedway and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, sharing memorable trips to spring training in Florida with his daughter Marilyn. A member of the South County Rod and Gun Club, Ernest was in charge of the Rod Section and competed in numerous fishing tournaments. He also enjoyed golf, skiing, boating, and sport fishing.

Ernest and Elsie shared a love of travel and were fortunate to see the world together, even competing in a sport fishing competition in Mexico. Their many adventures together were among the treasured memories of a life well lived.

Ernest was the devoted father of Linda M. Schweitzer, Marilyn A. Pezza, Raymond E. Calore, and the late Diane Rose Calore; loving grandfather of Justin Huntsman and his wife, Lisa, Andrew Calore and his wife, Lizzie, and Alex Calore; and cherished great-grandfather of Eliana. He was also the brother-in-law of Fran Calore. Ernest was predeceased by his siblings, Joseph Calore, Salvatore Calore, Marie Jiacovelli, and Louis Calore.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third Street, East Greenwich. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

The family warmly welcomes floral tributes in Ernest’s memory. Those who prefer may make a memorial contribution to Amos House, a cause that was especially meaningful to him, at www.amoshouse.com.

Throughout his remarkable 100 years, Ernest lived with determination, generosity, and an unwavering work ethic. From humble beginnings, he proudly served his country, built a successful business, cared deeply for his family, and lived life to its fullest. Perhaps no words better capture the spirit with which Ernest lived than his favorite saying: “A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits.”