Ernest Paglia

Ernest Paglia
11/15/1922 – 04/03/2022

Ernest Paglia, aged 99, died at 2:45pm on Sunday, April 3, 2022 of a heart attack in the home he built in 1956. Ernest was born in Washington, PA on November 15, 1922. He was the youngest and last-surviving of 11 children. Ernest was the son of Angelina Gesualdi and Dominic Paglia.

Ernest graduated from Northwestern High School in January 1941. He immediately enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. After the war, he married Patricia Jean Mason on September 6, 1947.
Ernest and Patricia had four sons - Douglas, Paul, Marc, and Christopher Todd. The family resided for many years in the home that Ernest built in Allen Park, MI.

Ernie was predeceased by his wife Patricia, his sons Doug and Paul (Jack), and daughter-in-law Mary. He is survived by his sons Marc and Christopher Todd (Lesley); grandchildren Justin, Brittany, Christopher, Annalise, Melissa, Amy, Emma, Tyler (Richelle), and Myles (Kelly); and great grandchildren Jordan, Brooklyn, and Obe’.

Ernest was a classic example of a hard working, no-nonsense, and self-reliant individual. Though he expected all of his children to be just as hard working and responsible, and at times, was quick to critique and discipline, he was also just as eager to help and console when they needed positive, helpful guidance. All four of Ernie and Patricia’s children attribute their success and self-reliance to the valuable life lessons modeled by their parents.

In his youth, Ernie was a top-notch baseball player who was recruited to play in the professional league. However, he was dedicated to fulfill his duty to the U.S. Air Force. Ernie was also an avid and outstanding pool-billiards player and participated in numerous leagues. He had the reputation of always being the best on the team.

But most of all, Ernie loved his wife and his family. He always looked forward to having everyone included in family get-togethers. The priority was always family above all. He was the true anchor of the Paglia family. The world is a better place because of Ernie. He will be missed and fondly remembered as a generous and loving person.