He is survived by wife Angela Joas of 62 years, his sons Michael (wife Lori), Ronald (wife Celine), 8 grandchildren (Devon, Kyla, Erich, Ryan, Nicholas, Adam, Sophia, Wolfgang), three step-grandchildren (Demetrios, Nikolas, Alicia), 2 great-grandchildren (Ayden, Avery) and the 21** Family. He is predeceased by his parents and by his second son Commander (USN) Christopher S. Joas.
Ernest was born in the Bronx at Prospect Hospital, October 28, 1937, to Anna Marie Sophie Matilda Schmid and Ernst Gabriel Joas. He grew up in Staten Island, New York, went to parochial school, and graduated in 1955 from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx.
Ernest joined the United States Air Force right out of high school, was stationed in various places (Kansas, Alaska, Morocco), when he was called to attend to his mother who fell ill. While at home, he met his future wife, Angela, before he had to return to Morrocco. They continued their relationship via letters until he was assigned to a base in New Jersey. When he returned to the United States they got engaged. Ernest and Angela got married October 28, 1961, on his birthday (that way, he would never forget an anniversary)!
He served our country for 24 years in the United States Air Force. He did personnel (human resources) work, ultimately becoming a First Sergeant. After retiring from the United States Air Force, he worked in insurance claims for 18 years and became a certified home inspector.
Ernest was very involved with St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in the Padre Pio Assembly, attaining the Fourth Degree of the order. He also was a very active member of the St. Frances Cabrini choir, participating in many masses, special events the choir took on, and many times as a soloist. Ernest was the former Chancellor of the Archbishop James V. Casey Council. Ernest was also very active as the President of Heritage Place Homeowners Association.
As you can see, he was a very busy man with not enough to do. He also loved to keep his garden and yard (every blade of grass had to be the same height). He was there to help those who asked. He was also an excellent father – the best!
He will be truly missed by his loving family and by those who knew, loved, and respected him.
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