I only knew Ernie from the 7th grade through high school in that my family moved away from Pittsford right after our graduation. My memories range from roaming around his Crescent Hill neighborhood at night a couple of times in the 7th - 8th grade, high school gym classes and the 4 years on the football team. He was a true leader on the team and had a great sense of humor. I remember on a bus ride back from a game, he took his old beat up leather football helmet, turned it inside out and then put it back on his head. He then yelled up to the coaches and asked if we could have those new Riddell plastic helmets. The next season we got them. He looked so funny, I'll never forget it. As for his athletic abilities, they spoke for themselves. I was glad I was in a lighter weight class in PE wrestling. Just one great guy and awsome teammate. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Was so sorry to hear about Ernie. He was such a great guy and a friend to so many. It was so strange when my boys ended up having him as a teacher when they were in school. Have lost a genuinely nice guy
I have never posted to this forum, but on hearing of the death of Ernie, I was saddened, and felt compelled to write. I only knew Ernie in high school and more specifically, as a fellow member of the wrestling team. We were not close friends, but he always treated me like a friend. I was the class of 1968. I never saw or communicated with him after graduation, but he was very memorable to me. He was a great athlete, and specifically a champion wrestler. But he was never arrogant or conceited, as some athletes can be. I was not the greatest wrestler, but he always encouraged me and had a kind word and a quick smile. It ws impossible not to like Ernie. While I rmember little of high school, he was certainly memorable. My condolences to his family.
I have never posted to this forum, but on hearing of the death of Ernie, I was saddened, and felt compelled to write. I only knew Ernie in high school and more specifically, as a fellow member of the wrestling team. We were not close friends, but he always treated me like a friend. I was the class of 1968. I never saw or communicated with him after graduation, but he was very memorable to me. He was a great athlete, and specifically a champion wrestler. But he was never arrogant or conceited, as some athletes can be. I was not the greatest wrestler, but he always encouraged me and had a kind word and a quick smile. It ws impossible not to like Ernie. While I rmember little of high school, he was certainly memorable. My condolences to his family.
My earliest memory of Ernie was at his house during 4th or 5th grade. His mom had made sandwiches for us with lots of mayonnaise. As a picky-eater at the time, I didn't want to eat it, so Ernie ate both of them. Not because he was hungry, but because he wanted to save me, or his mom, I don't know which, some embarrassment. That was Ernie. Then there was facing Ernie on the opposing team in dodgeball. I can still hear the sound of that ball slamming into the wall. That was Ernie. Many years later, a smiling Ernie pulling a draft beer for me in a crowded bar. That was Ernie too. A great guy.
I'll add my dodgeball story to the memories of Ernie. I came to Pittsford in the 4th grade and one of my earliest memories was a dodgeball competition between Ernie's and my classes. It came down to Ernie and me as the final combatants. Everytime Ernie threw the ball at me I recall the resounding thud as that ball slammed into the wall behind me. I realized this game could go on indefinitely pitting his power against my nimbleness so I decided to make a stab at trying to catch one of his throws. Needless to say I wasn't successful. His classmates erupted in cheers. But it was what happened after that celebration that is important. I recall Ernie being gracious after his win.
When ever out paths crossed Ernie always seemed genuinely glad to see me, as I was to see him. From the looks of things I'm not alone. You will be very missed.
In our senior year, Mike Rose, Jay Birnbaum and I had gym class with Ernie. During the wrestling section of class, Mr. Miller knew we were all friends and for 'fun' he sent the three of us against Ernie. The only rule was as soon as anyone was pinned, they were out. We three opponents were all laughing pretty hard, but I think we also tried pretty hard. Didn't matter. One by one, Ernie pinned us all. And now, one by one, they are gone. But not forgotten. These three guys had legions of friends and I'm proud to have been one of them. Fare well.
I was always amazed at Ernie's devotion to football and wrestling. It was incredible to witness the weight gain for football and the subsequent weight loss for wrestling. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
It is funny how when you are in high school you aren't aware of some of the big things happening around you. Although I knew Ernie and he always smiled and said hello, I didn't appreciate the caliber of athlete that he was. I am sad to say I only went to one Pittsford wrestling match. Now, as my son in law is a varsity wrestling coach and my grandsons are taking after him and went to the NYS championships as 10 and 7 year olds, I understand the sport more. Being a state champion is a very big deal. And it sounds like Ernie continued to excel in college wrestling. He was so unassuming about his abilities and accomplishments. RIP Ernie and I hope you are aware of how many people you impacted based on all the comments here.
Dan Goodenow
I only knew Ernie from the 7th grade through high school in that my family moved away from Pittsford right after our graduation. My memories range from roaming around his Crescent Hill neighborhood at night a couple of times in the 7th - 8th grade, high school gym classes and the 4 years on the football team. He was a true leader on the team and had a great sense of humor. I remember on a bus ride back from a game, he took his old beat up leather football helmet, turned it inside out and then put it back on his head. He then yelled up to the coaches and asked if we could have those new Riddell plastic helmets. The next season we got them. He looked so funny, I'll never forget it. As for his athletic abilities, they spoke for themselves. I was glad I was in a lighter weight class in PE wrestling. Just one great guy and awsome teammate. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Beth Tibbals (Watters)
Was so sorry to hear about Ernie. He was such a great guy and a friend to so many. It was so strange when my boys ended up having him as a teacher when they were in school. Have lost a genuinely nice guy
Carl E. Stephan
I have never posted to this forum, but on hearing of the death of Ernie, I was saddened, and felt compelled to write. I only knew Ernie in high school and more specifically, as a fellow member of the wrestling team. We were not close friends, but he always treated me like a friend. I was the class of 1968. I never saw or communicated with him after graduation, but he was very memorable to me. He was a great athlete, and specifically a champion wrestler. But he was never arrogant or conceited, as some athletes can be. I was not the greatest wrestler, but he always encouraged me and had a kind word and a quick smile. It ws impossible not to like Ernie. While I rmember little of high school, he was certainly memorable. My condolences to his family.
Carl Stephan
Carl E. Stephan
I have never posted to this forum, but on hearing of the death of Ernie, I was saddened, and felt compelled to write. I only knew Ernie in high school and more specifically, as a fellow member of the wrestling team. We were not close friends, but he always treated me like a friend. I was the class of 1968. I never saw or communicated with him after graduation, but he was very memorable to me. He was a great athlete, and specifically a champion wrestler. But he was never arrogant or conceited, as some athletes can be. I was not the greatest wrestler, but he always encouraged me and had a kind word and a quick smile. It ws impossible not to like Ernie. While I rmember little of high school, he was certainly memorable. My condolences to his family.
Carl Stephan
Bob Legge
My earliest memory of Ernie was at his house during 4th or 5th grade. His mom had made sandwiches for us with lots of mayonnaise. As a picky-eater at the time, I didn't want to eat it, so Ernie ate both of them. Not because he was hungry, but because he wanted to save me, or his mom, I don't know which, some embarrassment. That was Ernie. Then there was facing Ernie on the opposing team in dodgeball. I can still hear the sound of that ball slamming into the wall. That was Ernie. Many years later, a smiling Ernie pulling a draft beer for me in a crowded bar. That was Ernie too. A great guy.
Jim Fisher
I'll add my dodgeball story to the memories of Ernie. I came to Pittsford in the 4th grade and one of my earliest memories was a dodgeball competition between Ernie's and my classes. It came down to Ernie and me as the final combatants. Everytime Ernie threw the ball at me I recall the resounding thud as that ball slammed into the wall behind me. I realized this game could go on indefinitely pitting his power against my nimbleness so I decided to make a stab at trying to catch one of his throws. Needless to say I wasn't successful. His classmates erupted in cheers. But it was what happened after that celebration that is important. I recall Ernie being gracious after his win.
John J. Cufari
When ever out paths crossed Ernie always seemed genuinely glad to see me, as I was to see him. From the looks of things I'm not alone. You will be very missed.
Kief
John Webster
In our senior year, Mike Rose, Jay Birnbaum and I had gym class with Ernie. During the wrestling section of class, Mr. Miller knew we were all friends and for 'fun' he sent the three of us against Ernie. The only rule was as soon as anyone was pinned, they were out. We three opponents were all laughing pretty hard, but I think we also tried pretty hard. Didn't matter. One by one, Ernie pinned us all. And now, one by one, they are gone. But not forgotten. These three guys had legions of friends and I'm proud to have been one of them. Fare well.
Susan George (Chazan)
I was always amazed at Ernie's devotion to football and wrestling. It was incredible to witness the weight gain for football and the subsequent weight loss for wrestling. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Kathy Lockwood (Benson)
It is funny how when you are in high school you aren't aware of some of the big things happening around you. Although I knew Ernie and he always smiled and said hello, I didn't appreciate the caliber of athlete that he was. I am sad to say I only went to one Pittsford wrestling match. Now, as my son in law is a varsity wrestling coach and my grandsons are taking after him and went to the NYS championships as 10 and 7 year olds, I understand the sport more. Being a state champion is a very big deal. And it sounds like Ernie continued to excel in college wrestling. He was so unassuming about his abilities and accomplishments. RIP Ernie and I hope you are aware of how many people you impacted based on all the comments here.
Kathy