FORT EDWARD – William “Bill” Earl Ernst, 77, of Fort Edward, passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, due to complications from heart (bypass) surgery.
Born October 26, 1943 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late William Stanton and Helen (Gage) Ernst.
Bill attended Glens Falls High School and graduated in 1961. He then received his associate degree from SUNY Canton in accounting. While attending Canton, Bill was on the baseball team and was a part of Alpha Theta Gamma fraternity. He enjoyed singing in his fraternity’s quartet.
Bill met Ellen Toole at a local bowling league, while wearing his legendary red socks. Ellen stated to her friend that night: “I am going to marry that man one day”. Bill always told Ellen: “I never met anybody in my life that made me laugh and enjoy my life more than you.” On October 9th, 1965, Bill married Ellen M. Toole at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls, New York. Their immediate love for one another was the legacy that they have passed down to their children and grandchildren.
Bill began his career at Glens Falls Insurance Company and GE as a computer operator. He then went on to Glens Falls Continental as an underwriter. Bill continued his career as a sales representative for Goldstein Subaru in Albany, until his retirement. During his retirement, Bill worked for the Washington County Board of Elections and census taking.
Bill enjoyed the simple things in life. He would wake up before Ellen to make her a cup of coffee in bed. Every evening, the two of them could be seen sitting on the front porch drinking a Manhattan while watching the sunset. The neighbors stated that Bill had the best lawn in the neighborhood. He took pride taking care of the yard and his gardens. Bill and Ellen were always seen on the dance floor performing jitter bug, country line dancing and ballroom dancing. They enjoyed attending several local events such as the Adirondack Balloon Festival, country music festivals, concerts and Proctor’s theater shows. Often, Bill would be seen at the local Talk of the Town and Morgan and Company with his lifetime friends. He was a devoted husband and genuine father figure to many. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and attended all their sporting events including baseball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, and dance. He additionally took part in his own hobbies of interest, such as avidly reading the local newspaper, golfing, playing pool and going bowling. Bill enjoyed traveling to Schroon River to go camping with his family and friends in the summer. Later in life, he enjoyed annual trips to Maine and became an avid international traveler, alongside his wife, for 20 years.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his mother, Helen (Gage) Ernst of Glens Falls; father, William “Stan” Ernst of Glens Falls; and sister, Nancy Gill of Auburn.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Ellen (Toole) Ernst; his two children, son, Bruce (Karen) Ernst of Clifton Park and daughter, Stacey Patalino of Skaneateles; his siblings; sister, Beverly Passineau, brother, Robert (Carol) Ernst and sister, Carolyn (Jim) Flynn; as well as his four grandchildren, Evan and Lena Ernst, and Jacob and Jessica Patalino.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date, to be announced.
Memorial donations in memory of Bill may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 2 Pine West Plaza #202, Albany, NY 12205 or Fort Edward Rescue Squad, 75 Schuyler St, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
We are also sorry to hear about Bill passing. You two were such a great couple. My love to you and your family.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband Bill. We are thinking of you during this time.
I’ve just known Bills daughter Stacey and grandchildren Jacob and Jess for a while. I have a good sense of Bills love,his impact, and the legacy he has left behind. I am honored, God Bless!
Ellen,
I am extremely sorry for the unexpected loss of your beloved husband, Bill. You were so lucky to have that person in your life. My condolences go out to you and all your family.
Ellen and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all🍀💚☘️
Ellen Deepest sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m just heartbroken over this news! Just know that I’m thinking of you at this time of loss!
Ellen, my heart breaks for you! Bill was a great man! Hope you find comfort in your family and friends during this time! Thinking of you all!
Ellen:
Your Glens Falls Hospital family is thinking of you at this time. We are so sorry for your sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Our deepest condolences to the Ernst Family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless.
Mark & Lisa Stipano
Dear Ellen, I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I worked with Bill at Subaru for several years before he retired, He was always a very kind and nice man. I am happy that he made the decision to retire, and have some time for the two of you to share some very special years, my prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Carol Young
Ellen, My thoughts and prayers to you and your family for the loss of your husband, Bill.
Ellen, our deepest sympathies to you and your family in the unexpected loss of Bill.
Prayers and peace,
June & Skip
My heart hurts for you and your family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Elaine and Jeff
Ellen, So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed working with Bill as a Computer operator at GF Insurance. May you be comforted by our Father God.
Dear Ellen,
My name is Ryan, I’m a brother of the Alpha Theta Gamma fraternity from SUNY Canton. From all of the brothers of Theta Gamma fraternity, we are sorry for your loss & thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. He was an amazing brother, and he will be missed.
I grew up with Ellen. Sounds like she had a wonderful loving husband for many many years. They will be in my thought and prayers.
Dear Mrs. Ernst- All of us at Chez Pierre are so truly sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. He was such a kind person and we will miss seeing him and his compassionate smile. Please know we are all sadden by this news and are keeping you in our thoughts are prayers.
Ellen, I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing in the Chronicle newspaper. Bill and I worked together at Goldstein Subaru.
Bill always had a smile on his face and a great attitude. He was a wonderful salesperson who was always honest and helpful with his customers. Many of his customers became his friends as a result. They don’t make em’ like Bill anymore.!
Experiencing The death of a husband is so personal that very few of us can understand the grief involved. May your Angel spread it’s wings around you and comfort you. I will always remember his smile and the fun times with had with you Ellen, Linda and Steve.
with hugs and sympathy.