Ernest "Ernie" Francis Fusco Jr.

Ernest Francis Fusco Jr. was born on January 22, 1930 in New Haven, Connecticut. Ernie (as he was known to his family and friends) spent his childhood years living in New Haven and occasionally working at his family’s local restaurant and bar. He attended New Haven High School (Hillhouse) and following graduation, Ernie enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1948 to 1951. During his time in the Air Force, Ernie proudly served in the Korean War as a weather and technology specialist on aircraft machinery.

Following his honorable discharge, Ernie married his longtime sweetheart and girlfriend, Angelina “Angie” Anna Vitale in New Haven. Shortly after their wedding, Ernie and Angie moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Ernie attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology from 1952 to 1954 and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Aviation Electronics Technology. After graduation, Ernie and Angie moved back to New Haven to be close to family and to start a family of their own.

Ernie opened a garden center with his brother-in-law and immersed himself into learning about plants, gardening and landscaping. As his business grew, Ernie worked with many clients to provide landscaping designs as well as gardening and maintenance. Ernie was also a meteorology aficionado and would forecast weather in a heartbeat with surprising accuracy. His experience and interest in meteorology provided great value to his gardening and landscaping ventures. Ernie was a voracious reader and loved to constantly expand his mind with the writings of great historians, political pieces and finance articles. During the evenings, he could be found reading a newspaper and catching up on current events, playing a game of poker with friends or trying to keep up with his wife’s lively social calendar.

In 1982, Ernie and Angie moved to Longmont, Colorado to be close to their three children and new grandchildren. Ernie continued his love of gardening by providing residential gardening and landscaping services in Longmont. Ernie was an avid golfer and bowler and would often play a round of 9 holes with his wife and friends at Sunset Golf Course or spend a Friday evening bowling on his league with “The Lefties”. Ernie enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends and was always the unofficial tour guide and ensured everyone had an incredible time. Ernie had a keen appetite for comfort foods, much to the appreciation of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, with donuts and poached eggs being at the top of his favorites.

Ernie and Angie were married for 69 years – truly a romance for the ages. Ernie was father to three wonderful children, Madelyn Dillon, Robyn Fusco and Ernie Fusco III, a proud grandfather to Adria Dillon, Conor Dillon, Kendrick Wyman and Carly Wyman and blessed to be a great grandfather to Rowan Dillon-Schaefer, Alanna Dillon-Schaefer and Henry Wyman

Ernie was a loving, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a dedicated friend and truly valued his close friendships. Ernie proudly celebrated his family’s accomplishments and often attended his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s soccer games and dance performances applauding with joy and happiness.

Anyone who knew Ernie was touched by his kindness, generosity and peaceful temperament. He was a tender man who loved deeply, appreciated life and exemplified goodness. Ernie lived with positivity and determination, no matter the circumstances.

Ernie passed away peacefully, at the age of 92, in his home on April 9, 2022, with his wife and family by his side. We take comfort in knowing Ernie is now at peace surrounded by light.

We love him dearly and will miss him more than words can say.

A funeral service for Ernest will be held Friday, April 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 3791 Pike Rd, Longmont, CO.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Fusco family.