Ernest “Ernie” James Pettine, Jr. age 81, Homosassa passed away in Shand’s Hosptal in Gainesville, FL. Ernie was born on July 14, 1936 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania to Ernest J. Pettine, Sr. and Beatrice “Pat” (Talbot) Pettine. He entered his heavenly home on June 13, 2018.
Ernie graduated from St. Matthews High School in Conshohocken in 1954. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Petrec on September 1, 1956. They spent 61 loving years together and raised four children.
Ernie is survived by Betty, his four children, Debbie (Jack) Cantrell, Jim (Pam) Pettine, Mary Beth (Scott) Mayo, and David (Elizabeth) Pettine. Also left to honor his legacy are his grandchildren Adam (Mary), Zach (Melissa), Hunter, Aaron, Ian (Emily), Grace, Justin and Payton; his great-grandchildren Robinson and Conway, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Ronald and grandson James.
Ernie joined IBM in 1958. His career took him to Syracuse, NY; Fishkill, NY; Manassas, VA; Burlington VT; and Singapore. He retired in 1991 at 55 years of age. He spent the next 26 years enjoying retirement in Murrells Inlet, SC and Homosassa, FL. He enjoyed many rounds of golf, time with family and friends, and faithfully serving the Lord. Ernie was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Homosassa. He was a past President of the Sandblasters; a volunteer for Guardian ad Litem and for St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He often joked that he was in charge of snow removal in Citrus County. A tough job for sure!
Ernie, sometimes referred to as “Big Ern”, had a big heart. He loved his family dearly and never missed an opportunity or milestone event to celebrate with his family and friends. He was a kind, generous and compassionate man who was loved by all who met him. His smile brought joy to everyone he met and his bear hugs were infamous! He will be greatly missed.
Viewing will take place at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church on Monday, June 18 at 9:30 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Fr. Ron Marecki, Celebrant. Interment will follow at a later date in St. John Vianney Parish Cemetery in So. Burlington, VT. In lieu of flowers, Ernie requested that donations be made to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a Vermont-based, non-profit camp for children with cancer, or to the Make A Wish Foundation, Vermont Chapter.
Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory is assisting the family..
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