John R. “Crazy” Ernst, age 65, of Edinboro, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Born in Braddock, PA on January 3, 1945, he was the son of the late Henry and Bessie Lain Ernst. John lived and worked most of his life in the Pittsburgh area town of North Braddock. He was a steelworker for 35 years at US Steel, and after retiring in 2000, he permanently moved and made Edinboro his town.
John enjoyed the Edinboro community and was a strong supporter of all the General McLane and Edinboro University sports teams. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. From 1965-67, John was a medic in US Army serving in Germany, and currently he was a member of the local Edinboro-McKean Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 740. John was a caring and giving individual who had numerous friends who would often visit with him at his permanent corner seat at the Edinboro Hotel.
John only has a small family that survives including his sister, Annette R. Ernst of Pittsburgh; his two god-sons, Bruce D. Pacolay and Glenn M. Pacolay; and his many special friends in Edinboro.
Visiting hours will take place at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Edinboro, 306 Erie Street, on Sunday starting at 3:00pm and concluding with a time of remembrance at 5:30pm.
Uncle John,
Although it has been many years since we last saw each other, I can still remember the first time I met you in PA when I was very young. Grandad Ernst, you, Annette and your sweet Mom all made me feel very special. I thougtht you were a cool guy and a little crazy. We all remember your visit to Minnesota many years ago and how much fun we had. I always enjoyed your Christmas cards each year and we kept in touch that way for many years. I have great pictures and many wonderful memories of you. I’m so very sorry you had to leave this earth so suddenly, but you are with your other loved ones and probably telling stories to the angels. I loved hearing what a kind, loving, and generous friend you were to so many people. I wish you could have taken me up on my invitation to visit us here in Minnesota and ride around in Mike’s classic cars, but you had such a full life in Edinboro, I can understand. Rest in peace Uncle John.
Your Niece Carole and Husband Mike
Crazy, you were one of a kind. You were as real as a person gets. I loved your bluntness and your sincerity. In our 11+ years of friendship, I could always count on you. I loved you for your unyielding support of our local community – if there was a fundraiser, you supported it and I’m talking some serious “JING”. You didn’t just support our local athletics from a monetary standpoint, you were a fan. During my college basketball days, I remember you and your “BIG MOUTH” in the stands. ANY athlete knows there is no price tag associated with that kind of support. I will always remember your helpful hands and household donations when I bought my house. I laugh remembering my washing machine and how we forgot to hook it up to the sink and we flooded my basement. I will forever treasure my 70’s lime green mixing bowls. I loved having you as my neighbor – as a previous single mom, you were my “security blanket” because I knew if anything went wrong, Crazy and the “Pink Lady” was just two houses down. You were a real man, a man’s man and my “White Boy”. I wish for one more lunch, one more day on the boat, one more trip to PIB or one more mustache kiss. I love you my friend. Know that Carrie, Lauren and I will be getting together on January 2nd for your annual birthday dinner and we will be missing and toasting you. You touch the lives of many and you will be sorely missed. Many Many years from now, I will see you again my friend. Love, Kat.
Crazy – You touched the lives of more Lambda Chi Alpha brothers than anyone in Edinboro and showed everyone what brotherhood was all about. Thanks for being part of our lives and leaving us with so many good memories and stories. I am sure you will be waiting for all the brothers when they arrive in Heaven. God bless you and give my brother a hug for me. ZAX-Dave
Crazy John Ernst You have traverrced the 3 sides of the delta.
God Bless and the boro golf outings wont be the same without you.
ZAX ZEKE Z51