Sunday, September 2, 2018
I am very saddened by the loss of my Uncle Ernie.
As a kid growing up in Newark and Maplewood, I can always remember him stopping by our home. He would talk for hours and share food with my mother, father, and sister. The stories often turned to his experiences in WW2 were he served on a oil tanker in the Pacific --- an extremely dangerous mission. But he, like all those of the "Greatest Generation" served with honor to defeat evil. Whenever I hear the incredibly beautiful music from the musical "South Pacific", I will be continually reminded of my dear uncle Ernie.
I also remember well that he invited me numerous times to his beach house where we had great fun just hanging out. These were different times when most people I knew led quieter lives, and enjoyed the simpler pleasures of life.
I can recall last year when my family visited him , that he had a picture of himself boarding a plane destined for Italy with Aunt Eddie. I commented that he and my aunt reminded me of two movie stars (perhaps Cary Grant and Sofia Loren). His reaction was "Bobby, your exaggerating!". But the picture harkened back to a better time in our country.
I will never forget you, my wonderful Uncle Ernie,
Your Nephew, Bob
