Ernie was born in Bartlett, New Hampshire on April 13, 1927 to Elwood E "Shine" and Ethel M Chase Henry. In his younger days he loved to play basketball at his local school and it was then he became a lifelong Boston Celtics fan as well as a Boston Red Sox fan. He loved to hunt and spent many days hunting with his very good friend Alfred Oberlerchner.
Ernie began working summers for the Maine Central Railroad at age 15 and that began a 44 year career in railroading. He retired as the Bridges and Building Forman in Waterville, Maine in 1987.
In 1944 at the ripe old age of seventeen he finally convinced his parents to give their permission allowing him to enlist in the United States Navy during WWII and proudly served his country for 4 years. He was fortunate enough to have traveled to all 50 states with Trudy and spent the last 30 years wintering in Florida.
On July 9, 1950 Ernie married Gertrude M "Trudy" Permatteo in Revere, Massachusetts. His railroad career led him to Brunswick, Maine and then to Waterville, Maine where he built a home in Winslow and was able to live there until his passing.
Ernie leaves behind his two daughters Susan G and husband Alan D Veilleux of Winslow and Leslie Mathieu of Cary, North Carolina . Also his four grandchildren Ryan A Veilleux and significant other Melanie Lecours of Winslow, Melissa Peters and husband Joseph of Gorham Maine, Megan Kervin of Holly Springs, North Carolina and Kyle Mathieu and significant other Carey Bell of Raleigh, North Carolina. "Papa" also leaves behind his seven great grandchildren, Maya, Molly, Dylan, Isabella, Avery, Paisley and Ava. His favorite saying to his family especially his great grandchildren was "Is it ok if I love you... I can't help it but I do! He was also survived by two sisters, Elaine Copp of Seattle, Washington and Elois Sullivan and significant other George Howard of Glen, New Hampshire as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ernie was pre-deceased by his parents, wife Trudy and brother in laws Robert Sullivan, Donald Copp, and nephew Jamie Copp.
Per his request there will be no funeral service and a private burial will be held in Bartlett, New Hampshire in the spring of 2020. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com
Anyone wishing can make a donation to the charity of their choice.
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