GLOUCESTER: Ernest R. Curtis, Sr., 94, died peacefully, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in the home he built. He was the husband of Clara (Simmons) Curtis.
Born in Gloucester on October 22, 1914, he was the son of the late Otis E. and Helen (Wheeler) Curtis. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester.
Ernest was employed as a mechanic for Lipton Pet Foods in Woburn for twenty years before retiring in 1977. In his early years he worked on Babson’s Farm. He loved all outdoor activities including, hunting, fishing, clamming, blueberrying and camping. He and Clara also enjoyed wintering in Florida for many years.
In addition to his wife of sixty-eight years, he is survived by his daughter, Carol Herrick, his son and daughter-in-law, Ernest and Johannah Curtis all of Gloucester, five grandchildren, Candy and her husband, Ben Favorite of Clarksville, TN, John Herrick, Jr. of Gloucester, Cheryl Herrick of Beverly and Ernest Curtis, III and Tyler Curtis both of Gloucester and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Victoria Favorite. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Ruby Curtis, Marian Curtis and Winnie Cusick, two brothers-in-law, Mel and his wife, Jean Mason and Robert Mason and many nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by his sister, Helen May Curtis and three brothers, Otis, Hollis and Walter Curtis.
The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Sunday at Carol’s home at 9 Doanne Road, Gloucester from 2 – 4 p.m. Funeral services will be privately held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the VNACare Hospice, 5 Federal St., Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester.