Ronald Ernish

1935 - 2021

Ronald Ernish

Brielle - Ron Ernish, 85, of Brielle, NJ died peacefully at home on February 23, 2021 with his loving wife, Mary Evelyn and his children by his side. Ron was born at home on July 17, 1935 in Perth Amboy, NJ. He graduated Perth Amboy High School where he was a stellar athlete. He played Varsity football, baseball, basketball and track . Ron especially excelled on the football field as a half back and was selected Middlesex All County for the 1953 and 1954 seasons. Perth Amboy considered Ron their "secret weapon" on the football field as quoted in numerous newspaper articles. Ron was awarded a full football scholarship at Pacific University in Oregon where he attended and graduated.

His childhood summers were spent on the beaches of Seaside Park, NJ where he fell in love with fishing, swimming, boating and everything else Jersey Shore. A summer job at the "shore" during college forged his way to a life career in Ironworking. He was a member of Local 11 (beginning in Local 373 Perth Amboy). He thrived as an Ironworker and continued on to have a successful career with Brennan Brothers Rigging Company in Avenel, where he climbed the corporate ladder as project manager and retired as Vice President. His projects included, but were not limited to, the construction of the Mystic River Railroad Bridge; a truss style swing bridge in Connecticut, and the Rt. 88 Bridge over the Intercoastal Canal in Point Pleasant Boro, as well as other large projects throughout the US. He also was asked to instruct as a Professor in Rio de Janeiro teaching Brazilian engineers American rigging procedures where he also learned fluent Portuguese.

Ron had a larger than life fun loving spirit and enjoyed his time on "this side of the grass" to the fullest. He was a member of the Brielle Fire Company serving as Fire Police, a life member of the Manasquan Elks, a member of the Manasquan River Golf Club, and an honorary member of the Union Landing Restaurant where he docked his boat for many years. Ron's gregarious personality was evident the minute he walked into any room. The motto he passed on to his children was to always live with "honor, dignity & respect"; which is exactly how he lived. His commanding presence was enhanced with a generous heart that ALWAYS had room for everyone. Ron will be dearly missed by all that were lucky enough to have stood, even for a moment, in his bright, spectacular light.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Sophie (nee Nowak) Ernish and his son Ronald. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Evelyn (nee Dougherty) and their son Edward of Brielle, his daughter Janet Dahl (Norman) of Branford CT, son Brett Ernish (Renee) of Ocean, daughter Elizabeth Pindulic (Allen) of Dumont, and his 6 grandchildren: Sydney Dahl; Sawyer, Emerson and Harrison Ernish; Logan and Colton Pindulic; his brother Anthony and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday from 2:00p to 6:00pm at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday at 10:00am in St. Denis Church, 90 Union Ave., Manasquan, followed by interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle. Please go directly to the Church on Monday as there will not be a procession from the funeral home prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brielle Fire Company #1, P.O. Box 83 or the Brielle First Aid Squad (Brielle EMS), 710 Old Bridge Rd., Brielle, NJ 08730 in his memory.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Brien Funeral Home, Wall To offer condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com