He was born on April 18, 1947 in Middletown, NY and was the son of the late Arlyn and Irene Tietjen Fishback.
Ernie graduated from Middletown High School in 1965. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps shortly after and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969 obtaining the rank of E-5 Sergeant. He retired from NYNEX Corp (formerly New York Telephone, now Verizon) in Binghamton, NY after 33 years of service as an Outside Plant Design Engineer.
On April 25, 1970, he married Maureen (Duffy) Fishback in Binghamton, NY, who survives.
He is also survived by three sons and their families, John and Arica, granddaughters, Murphy and Ashby; William and Christy, grandsons, Matthew and Michael; Carl and Anna, grandson, Benjamin and granddaughter, Katherine; a sister, Mary-Jo VanSickle and her husband, Donald; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ernie was a life member of the Marine Corps League, two times Past-Commandant of the John W. Thurston Detachment in Binghamton, NY and Past Commandant of the Stonewall Det. In Staunton and two times Stonewall Det. Marine of the year. He was a member of the VFW Post 8644, Bridgewater, and American Legion Post 0340, Fishersville. He was the former Scoutmaster of Troop #5, Boy Scout of America in Binghamton, NY and former Campmaster at Boy Scout Reservation Camp Tuscarora in Windsor, NY. He was awarded the National Presidents Scoutmaster Award of Merit, and a District Award of Merit.
Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golf and going to the gym. He also enjoyed working with Toys for Tots with the MCL.
The family will receive friends 6:30-8:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held 9 am, Friday September 29, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Harrisonburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172, online www.toyfortots.org or St Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/memorial.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhome.com.
