North Andover - Ennis J. “Ernie” Montella passed away peacefully in the presence of loving family on Friday, April 28, at the age of 92 ½. It was the culmination of a long, productive and enjoyable life, the focus of which was caring for his family and teaching mathematics at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA.
Ernie was born in Lawrence on September 28, 1924. He was the son of Joseph and Matelda Montella. He graduated from Lawrence High School and entered the United States Army at the age of 18 to serve in Europe during World War II. He received the Purple Heart and other military decorations.
Following the war, Ernie entered Boston College on the GI bill. He majored in mathematics and graduated with a Masters Degree in that subject. He worked for five years in Washington DC in the Army Map Service before settling into his chosen and deeply loved profession of teaching mathematics at Merrimack College, where he was held in high esteem by his students and colleagues for 45 years until he retired.
Ernie and his family lived in Lawrence, MA, Atkinson New Hampshire, and North Andover. He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Shaw) of North Andover and two daughters, Sharon Montella of Boston and Dr. Diane Montella of North Andover.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday May 6, 2017 at 1pm at Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel, 2nd floor, Austin Hall on the Merrimack College Campus, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA. A reception for family and friends will be held with light refreshments in Austin Hall immediately following the mass. Guests are kindly asked to meet directly at the chapel.
Memorial donations in Ernie’s name may be made to the Merrimack College Annual Fund, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St, North Andover, MA 01845. To send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen is honored to serve the Montella family.