Ernest J. Mello Jr., Age 85, of Erie, died on Monday, July 5, 2010, which was the birthday of his beloved, late wife, Irene G. Nanni Mello. Ernest, better known to all as Ernie, was born in Erie on September 21, 1924. He was the son of the late Ernest J. Mello Sr. and Geraldine Craig Mello. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He married his beloved wife, Irene, in 1948 and they were married 56 years before her death in 2005. The two were dedicated to their lives together, even naming their boat “You Light Up My Life.”

Ernie worked at Plumpton /Rick Weaver Buick for 50 years as a car salesman and General Manager. He was an avid golfer and a long time member of the Lawrence Park Golf Club. He liked hunting and being outdoors. He was an avid snowmobiler and a founding member of the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club. For the past 30 years, Ernie enjoyed his summers at Canadohta Lake, where he was an avid camper and boater. He was also an accomplished bowler and a life member of the East Erie Turners, Maennerchor and Zukor clubs. He also belonged to the VFW Post 470 and the Wesleyville American Legion. Ernie was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Parish where he belonged to the Ushers Society.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ernie was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Gladys Kleinhanz and Dolores Lynch. He is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Ann Dean, husband Pat, and a son Gregory J. Mello, wife Rose, both of Erie; a brother, Richard Mello, of Erie; a granddaughter, Nicole M. Barbato, husband Joseph and their children Michael and Logan, all of London, England; a grandson, Timothy C. Mello, of Erie; a dear sister-in-law, Rose Nanni Gallagher, husband Joseph, both of Erie; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ernie will be remembered for charming his own family and kids/adults of all ages over his lifetime with his Donald Duck impersonation.

Friends are invited to call at Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd., Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend prayers there on Friday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sight Center of NW PA, 2402 Cherry St., Erie, PA, 16502.