Ernest M. Schirra

Of East Pittsburgh, age 91, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Ernie was the beloved husband of the late Beverly L. (Smith) Schirra for over 40 years.

He was the loving father of Patricia (Steve) Gionta of Penn Hills and Ernest M., Jr (Renee Gonzalez) of Houston, TX.

Ernie was the treasured grandfather of Melissa (Jeff) Oliver, Holly (Dave) Kolsun, Gina Skoog Gionta and Michaela (Adam) Gibson.

He was proud to be the great-grandfather of Kaitlin Gionta, Haley Kolsun and Eliana Oliver.

Ernie is also survived by his sisters, Loretta (late James) Critchlow of Forest Hills and Sylvia (late Harold) Campbell of Oakmont.

Ernie was a Korean War Army veteran. For the early part of his work career, he was employed at Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh. He also worked for many years as a plasterer for Fred Whitney. Ernie retired as a purchaser for Epic Metals in Braddock. He was a member of the former American Legion, Post #2, in East Pittsburgh. A favorite pastime for Ernie was flower and vegetable gardening. Along with tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables, he was famous for growing large zucchinis with which he crafted zucchini bread for friends, family and neighbors. His other enjoyable activity was fishing. Ernie fished at many of the PA state park lakes and even took a fishing trip to Alaska with his son, Ernie. He also would fish the Galveston Bay when visiting Ernie, Jr. in Houston.

All are welcome on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800 where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Ernie will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Penn Lincoln Cemetery.