Published in the October 7, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD – Ernest J. Yamartino, Sr., 94, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2019. He was born on February 17, 1925 to Salvatore Yamartino and Giovannina “Jennie” (Lanzano) Yamartino and was raised in Waltham.
He was the beloved husband of 65 years to Dorothy (Hartigan) Yamartino until her death in July 2014. He leaves his six loving children: sons Ernest J. Yamartino, Jr. and his wife Marilyn of Plymouth, James K. Yamartino and his wife Diane of Naples, Fla., William J. Yamartino and his wife Maureen of Abington, John E. Yamartino and his wife Maureen of Lynn, Robert C. Yamartino and his wife Kathryn of Middlefield, Conn. and his daughter Anne M. Sheahan and her husband Daniel of Windham, N.H. He leaves 13 wonderful grandchildren James Yamartino, Jr., David Yamartino, Kristine Peterson, Bethann Dacey, Sandra Hooper, Robert C. Yamartino, Jr., Phillip A. Yamartino, Kristine E. Yamartino, Michael Sheahan, Katelyn Yamartino, Julie Sheahan, Jillian Yamartino and Brian Sheahan. He leaves nine precious great-grandchildren: Brady, Dylan and Marley Hooper, Ryan and Luke Dacey, Abigail Yamartino, Callum and Elliana Peterson, and Caroline Yamartino. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and his dear friend, Jack Lynch of Wakefield. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Raymond Yamartino, Robert Yamartino and Guido Yamartino.
Ernie was a proud WWII veteran. As a 19 year old, he left college to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. As a sergeant assigned to the 3rd Amphibious Corp, 155 mm Howitzer, Fire Direction Control, he was among the first men to land on the beaches during the Battle of Okinawa. After Japan’s surrender, he was redeployed to Tientsin, China in Sept. 1945 where he participated in the occupation of Northern China until June 1946. On September 2, 2015, Ernie presented a ceremonial wreath at the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 70th Anniversary of V-J day and those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he returned to his studies. He graduated, with honors, from Northeastern University in 1947 with a BS in Chemical Engineering. He was also inducted into the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. Ernie’s entire professional career was spent as a Chemical Engineer at General Electric – Instrument & Design Division in Lynn. While at General Electric, Ernie was promoted to Engineering Manager and received patents for several of his inventions related to non-ferritic magnets.
After enjoying a Sunday picnic at Lake Quannapowitt with his new bride Dottie, they decided Wakefield would be a great town to raise their family. He was a 63 year resident of Wakefield. Ernie being a man of strong Catholic faith, was an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church and often attended mass at St. Florence Church. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and The GE Elfun Society.
Ernie placed his love for his family above all else. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit that was often laced with lighthearted sarcasm. He was a kind and caring man. He was always down to earth, unassuming, practical and full of common sense. Ernie’s passion was playing golf and he played on several leagues up until the age of 90. He was particularly proud of winning the league championship at 89 years old in an over 50 league. He was a very happy, fun person with a youthful spirit. Some of his favorite pastimes included dining out in Wakefield with Dottie and their many friends, socializing, and eating desserts at all family gatherings. He enjoyed watching all the Boston sports teams, especially the New England Patriots.
Ernie always lived his life to the fullest with humor, optimism, faith and love.
His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., followed by afFuneral Mass in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 11:30 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.
