Ernest Berneche Jr.

Ernest Berneche, Jr.1934-2015Ernest Berneche, Jr., 80, died on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Wingate at West Springfield. Ernie was born December 8, 1934 to the late Ernest and Loretta Berneche, and spent most of his life in Holyoke and Chicopee. Ernie worked several jobs as a youngster, including selling newspapers for 25 cents-a-week in Holyoke in his early teens. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War, and spent four years traveling the world on the deck of the USS Hornet, gathering many stories of his journeys through Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Mediterranean. After the Navy he did a tour of duty with the Coast Guard and studied meteorology, a passion he maintained throughout his life. He spent the rest of his career in the food industry, retiring in 2005 from Best Foods. In 1963 he married the love of his life, Phyllis (Deane) Berneche. Sadly, she predeceased her husband in August of 1972. He never remarried. Ernie and Phyllis had three sons together, of whom he was immensely proud, John Berneche of South Hadley, Paul Berneche of Chicopee, and Philip Berneche of Chicopee; two dear daughters-in-law, Teresa (Ramsby) Berneche and Donna (Miranda) Berneche; his beloved grandson, Michael Berneche; and beloved step-great-grandson, Dominic Kelso. Ernie also leaves behind three cherished siblings, Joan Pronovost of South Hadley, Barbara Collamore of Woodland, Maine, and Martin Berneche of East Longmeadow, as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren. His family will miss him greatly, but we are grateful for his loving kindness and care. He loved animals and spoke affectionately of the dogs and cats that blessed his life. He was an avid gardener who shared his delight in nature with all who knew him. Ernie's family wishes to thank all caregivers who aided him at home and at Wingate at West Springfield in his final days. Funeral services will be privately held at the request of the family. For further information please visit tylunasfuneralhome.com.Tylunas Funeral Home(413) 592-0148