In Memory of Mary DeCarlo Ernest

Obituary

Mary DeCarlo Ernest, 99, of New Hartford, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, died May 23, 2023.

She was born September 16, 1923, in Utica, eldest daughter of the late Paul and Margaret Barnaba DeCarlo and graduated from Proctor High School Class of 1941. Mary married Vito N. Ernest May 30, 1951, a loving partnership of 63 years until Vito’s passing on August 25, 2014.

After raising their children, Mary returned to work in 1971 for the New Hartford Central School, retiring in 1983.

Mary was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford. She volunteered at St. Joseph’s Home in Utica, where she played cards with the residents. She also was a volunteer for many years at the New Hartford Public Library.

She and her husband, Vito, traveled extensively for many years. She was an avid reader and passionate bridge player. Mary loved music, especially singing Christmas carols with her grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her daughter Elizabeth and her husband Lawrence T. Gilroy, III; her sons and their wives Nicholas V. and Sharon Ernest and Paul C. and Dianne Ernest; her grandchildren Kelly E and husband Kevin W. Kolmer, Jr., Kenneth P Ernest and wife Keara, Nicholas C Ernest, Major, USMC and his wife Shay, Tyler S Ernest, and wife Taylar; Lawrence T Gilroy, IV, Shriver E Gilroy, Benjamin W Gilroy; and her seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Rose D White, and Barbara D. and husband Michael Ferro; her in-laws Dominick Massaro, Doris Ernest, Nicholas and Mary Ernest and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and her parents she was pre-deceased by her brother Martin DeCarlo and his wife Terry, her sisters, Anne D. Massaro and Lena D. Greene; her in-laws Joseph White, Dominic Ernest, Casamina and Richard Wilson and John and Mary Palmisano.

She would not have been able to enjoy her last years in the comfort of her home—including her daily walk come rain or shine--were it not for her “wonderful ladies”. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Oxford Home Care and Edna Stoltzfus.

The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Hartford Public Library.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.