ERNEST – Ronald F. Sr., 67, Hastings, passed away May 15, 2013, at Select Specialty Hospital, Johnstown. Born Feb. 11, 1946, in Hastings, son of Francis and Loretta (Keefe) Ernest. Preceded in death by parents and brother-in-law, Jack Griffith. Survived by loving wife of 45 years, Patricia (Hall) Ernest; daughter, Leann, wife of James Smith, McConnellsburg; son, Ronald F. Ernest Jr., and wife, Wendy, Hastings; and grandchildren, Sean Smith; Dominic, Isaac and Sierra Swanson; and Cristina Ernest. Brother of Randy (Norene) Ernest, Hastings; Rochelle (Thomas) Hite, Ohio; and Bonnie Griffith, Lancaster. Retired coal miner from Barnes & Tucker and Tanoma Mines, and served as vice president of UMWA Local 1269. Member of Mine Health & Safety Committee, U.S. Army Reserves, Carrolltown American Legion, Hastings VFW and Hastings Fire Club. Ron volunteered many years as a coach for baseball and girls softball, and St. Bernard’s boys basketball. He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting, playing cards and was an avid Steeler and Penguin fan. He was a devoted husband and father who cherished time spent with his grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m. Friday at Moriconi Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria, Pastor Laura McCombie, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronald’s memory to Cambria County Humane Society, 743 Galleria Drive Extension, Johnstown, Pa. 15904.
