Ernest A. "Ernie" Talerico, Sr.

Mr. Ernest A. “Ernie” Talerico, Sr., age 87, a native Utican more recently of Deltona, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on June 22, 1921, Ernest was the son of the late Dominick and Anna (Talarico) Talerico. He was raised and educated in Utica. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U. S. Army stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. In August of 1954 he married the former Anna Meyers with whom he shared 27 years prior to her passing on November 18, 1981. As a couple, they enjoyed one another and supported each other’s causes. Ernie worked for a number of companies during his career as a meat cutter, including Utica Veal, Sambro Meats, and G & L Packing, the position from which he retired. He was a wonderful cook and baker, and he shared his specialties in abundance with hospitality. Ernie was a selfless man who never denied helping others with much sincerity and empathized with friends and loved ones and prayed for them on a daily basis. Blessed with many generations of his family, Ernie loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events. Very versatile, he was also gifted with the vocals which allowed him to sing any Frank Sinatra song in his characteristic smooth style. He enjoyed games of chance, bingo trips, and the New York Yankees; he was an expert of the players and their statistics. He dearly missed his feline companions, Sable, Ginger, and Tiger. He was a member of The American Legion Post # 625 Charles H. Adrean Post where he served as past commander for several terms and was a devoted coordinator of the Sunday Bingo night. More recently, he was affiliated with The American Legion Post #229 as a lifetime member. He was also a member of the Local #1 Meatcutters Union. Ernie is survived by his children and their spouses, Cheryl and Arthur Seifried of Schuyler, Sandra Vatalaro and James Spratt of Utica, Anna Marie Cashmer and fiancé Matthew Allen of Schuyler, Ernest A. Talerico, Jr. and Allison Mannino of Sherrill, Richard and Evelyn Talerico of FL, Ernest Anthony Talerico of Ohio, Debra Stiles of MN, Cecelia Kerwin of Schuyler, and his daughter-in-law, Joan. He was preceded in death by his sons, Ronald Jay Talerico who passed away in 1998, and Samuel J. Talerico in 1987. In addition, he leaves 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Lucy Talerico of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Jane N. Talerico, and Jessie Talerico, both of Utica. He also leaves his longtime friend, Frank Pantola. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Angela and Sam Santino, and Antoinette J. Talerico; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter “Andrew” and Carmella Talerico, Joseph “Jersey” and Bertha Talerico, Dominick and Frances Talerico, Samuel Talerico, and Frank Talerico; a son-in-law, Keith Kerwin; and his companion, Sally Sholes. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center who cared for Ernie with much compassion, and the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their comfort and support. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:00-2:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ernest’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Fr. Anthony LaFache officiating. Military Honors will be conferred. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Ernest A. "Ernie" Talerico, Sr.

June 22, 1921 - September 23, 2008