Ernie Garofano, 92
Ernie passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. He passed peacefully at AVOW Hospice House with his wife and daughters by his side. After two years of home support, Ernie was admitted to Hospice House on January 2, 2025. While at home, he was lovingly cared for by his wife Hazel, his daughters Lisa Connors and Lori Chalmers, caregiver Gaelle Jean Charles, and AVOW nurses.
Ernie was born in Adams, Massachusetts, on March 23, 1932. He was the son of Pelligrino (Percy) Garofano and Blanche (Lemanski) Garofano. After graduating from Adams Memorial High School in 1950, Ernie continued his education at North Adams State College. In 1951, he entered the U.S. Air Force at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Ernie served his country in Korea and ended his military service at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, CA. He returned home to Massachusetts in 1955.
He worked as a Sr. Designer for General Electric in Pittsfield, MA, for 38 years, retiring in June 1989. While raising their daughters in Adams, Ernie was a member of the Adams Lions Club. He was also involved in various community and school committees. He and Hazel retired to Naples in 1990, moving to Forest Glen in May 2012. While living in Naples, he volunteered through his church on various Habitat for Humanity builds and hurricane relief efforts.
Family was everything to Ernie. He adored his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was known as Dad, Gramps, Grandpoo, Uncle Ernie, and even Auntie Ernie to those who loved him. He was kind, caring, honest, and loyal. He never knew a stranger.
Ernie loved to sing and would start singalongs on the many family road trips. He marched his daughters to bed each night while singing the chorus to "Marching to Pretoria" by The Weavers. Ernie loved to exercise. He lifted weights all his life and passed the love of exercise down to his children and grandchildren. Ernie and Hazel were members of the Naples YMCA for over 30 years and enjoyed many close friendships formed at the Y.
Ernie and Hazel loved to travel and visit family throughout the United States. They also loved to golf throughout Florida. On June 2, 2015, when he was 83 years old, he scored a hole-in-one while playing at Forest Glen.
He leaves behind the love of his life, Hazel Scott Garofano. They had a long and wonderful marriage since June 2, 1956. He leaves his daughters: Lisa and her husband Bill Connors of Forest Glen and Lori (Peter) Chalmers of Poughkeepsie, NY, and his brother Saverio "Sully" (Mary) of Pittsfield, MA. Also left behind are his grandchildren: Nick (Liz) Connors of West Seattle, WA; Emma (Dillon) Chalmers of Wappingers Falls, NY; Dylan (Maureen) Chalmers of Wilmington, NC; and Cameron (Danielle) Chalmers of Wilmington, NC.
His adored great-grandchildren are Ada Chalmers and Tommy Chalmers of Wilmington, NC, and Penelope "Poppy" Connors of West Seattle, WA, who was born on his 92nd birthday. His brother-in-law Brian Scott (Anne) of Farmington, CT, and his sister-in-law Jeanne Garofano of North Adams, MA, also survive him. He also adored his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Craig, his in-laws David and Catherine Scott, as well as Hazel's siblings.
AVOW Hospice treated him with respect, kindness, and great care. They also lovingly supported and embraced his family. Memorial donations in Ernie's name can be made to AVOW Hospice at 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
Legacy Options Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements. A Celebration of Ernie's life will be held later in the year. To leave a message of condolence to the family, please visit iberkshires.com/obituaries.