Ernest ‘Ernie’ Carreiro Jr., 85, of West Barnstable passed away April 16th, after an illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Ernie was born December 28,1936 to the late Mary I. (Aresta) and Ernest L. Carreiro. Raised in Provincetown, he grew up in the family business; starting with delivering groceries for Anybody’s Market, which he later helped his father turn into The Tip-for-Tops’n Restaurant, continuing working there following his high school graduation. Treasurer of his Provincetown High School Class of 1954, Ernie remained an active member of his class and in close touch with his classmates throughout his life. Ernie attended Fitchburg State Teachers College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. At school, he made lifelong friends, and met the love of his life, Judie, his wife of 55 years. They married in June of 1961, and both taught in West Acton and Bedford. Judie passed away in March of 2017.
After his father’s death, Ernie and Judie returned to Provincetown, where they raised their four children. Ernie continued to run the family’s restaurant until it was sold. During this time, he set up the Industrial Arts Program at Provincetown High School. He taught Technical Drawing and Woodworking, was a class advisor, and was voted the 1971 FTA Educator of the Year. Ernie earned a master’s degree in education at Bridgewater State College and went on to become the Principal of Veteran’s Memorial Middle School and Assistant Superintendent of the Provincetown Schools. After leaving his position in the school system, he opened The Country Store with Judie, combining both their interests. Along the way they operated the Portuguese Bakery. Once The Country Store was up and running, Ernie took over Perry’s Liquors, which he owned until his retirement.
A man of faith and strong values, Ernie was a dedicated family man and a lifelong educator. A people person, Ernie had a big heart and was very involved in the community. He was the first to reach out and help anyone in need, both personally and through the organizations of which he was a part. He was active on several boards at Seaman’s Savings Bank, retiring as Chairman of the Board in 2015; a lifetime member of the Lion’s Club, where he was a fixture at the Portuguese Festival Food Court; President of the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association; an active member of St. Peter’s Church; and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In his retirement, Ernie kept active. He and Judie traveled; he had a shellfish grant for a couple of years; worked part time as a carpenter for a local builder; and indulged in his passions of woodworking, cooking, fishing, and being on or near the water. He once even used a potline to lasso a tuna from the beach behind his house. Later in life, he and Judie moved to West Barnstable to be closer to their grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Ann. He is survived by his children; Robin Carreiro of Newport, RI; Kimberly White and her husband Michael White of Marstons Mills, Lawrence Carreiro of Marstons Mills, and Stephen Carreiro of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren Ashley White of Cotuit, , Michael Matthew White and his wife Casey of Centerville, and Ryan Carreiro of Cape Coral, FL; great granddaughter Quinn White of Centerville, nieces; nephews; and cousins, including Lorraine Cambra of South Yarmouth and Greta Wheeler of Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you continue Ernie’s legacy and extend a helping hand to someone in need.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, Saturday April 30th at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 11 Prince St, Provincetown.