Wilton, NY- It is with great sadness we share, Matthew Joseph Ernst, 84, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, surrounded by those who love him.
Matt was born November 6, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY as the only child to Matthew and Margaret Ernst. After completing primary school, Matt pursued his love of automobiles at a young age and attended a vocational school to learn more about his passion of repairing and rebuilding engines.
As an only child, Matt built a close relationship with his cousin Donald, who ended up being more of a brother in his eyes. Their childhood days together were often talked about with fondness.
In Matt’s teenage years, he worked various jobs. After losing his father at a young age, he felt compelled to help care for his Mom; a trend that continued throughout his life and lives in his legacy, always being the first to offer help to all in their time of need.
While still in New York City, Matt found himself working for his best friend’s father, who was an interior decorator. This led to Matt traveling the country doing work at various hotels and homes. His adventures brought him to hang drapes for Marilyn Monroe and Carole Lombard.
On January 3, 1959 Matt married the love of his life, the most beautiful Kathleen Kincaid, with whom he shared a beautiful 60 year marriage. In July of 1960 with fifty dollars in his pocket, Matt and Kathleen moved away from the city life and landed in Saratoga Springs.
Not one to shy away from hard work, Matt got straight to it in Saratoga. He worked in roofing for Alex Matfield during the day, and pumped gas at the local Shell station at night. Through hard work and a determination to care for his growing family, Matt and Kathy were able to save enough money to rent the gas station, which would eventually become Matts Servicenter. He used the space to return to his love of automobiles while fixing engines and selling gas. All the while working in the evenings plowing for NY Telephone and Niagara Mohawk. Matt’s dedication to hard work resulted in NY Telephone offering him a retired truck. With his knowledge of vehicles he was able to build that truck, into his first tow truck and with this truck, Matt’s Servicenter began, a 24 hour towing business, in which Matt worked tirelessly.
By 1970 Matt had grown his business from one truck to having the largest fleet of tow trucks in the city of Saratoga. With his tow trucks he was able to recover everything from planes, to trains, and of course automobiles. Just a few short years later, he started selling automobiles alongside his towing and automobile repair business. As they say the rest is history. Matt worked full time with Kathy by his side to build a successful business that has survived 60+ years.
Later in his life, while still finding ways to work in a career he loved, Matt found ways to enjoy his free time too. He was a skilled poker player and was able to enjoy trips to Las Vegas a number of times with his wife Kathy, his daughter Lora and her husband Pat. He loved long naps in the sunshine, and could often be seen in one of his hammocks enjoying the peace of the outdoors. He loved going out to dinner and knew where to find the best meals in town, often frequenting his favorite restaurants and befriending the staff.
Throughout Matt’s life, he affected many lives. He always found a way to support those in need, and never gave it a second thought. He was humble, kind, and generous in every possible sense. Everywhere you went, someone knew Matt Ernst and often times the stories of their interactions also included stories of his willingness to lend a hand, stories of thanks, stories of humor, and stories of real everlasting friendship. Matt was sound in his convictions to doing the right thing and caring for those that needed help. His life and legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and his impact on the community will not soon be forgotten.
Matthew was predeceased by his parents, Matthew and Margaret, his wife Kathleen, and their son Matthew J. Ernst Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Lora (Patrick) Diggins; son, Joseph (Kimberly) Ernst; and daughter Patricia Ernst. His grandchildren: Kathleen (Michael) Lomaestro, Melissa (Jim) Fitzpatrick, Anne (Tyler) Kelley, Jennifer (Alex) Grandy, Joseph Ernst, Danielle (Patrick) Wagner, and Jacqueline Ernst. His great-grandchildren: James Fitzpatrick, Addison Kelley, Cecilia Lomaestro, George Fitzpatrick, Margaret Lomaestro, Maeve Grandy, Olivia Kelley, Francis Grandy, Remington Wagner, and Madeleine Wagner. His beloved cousin Donald (Pam) Ernst.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7pm on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY. Burial will follow at the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY.
Matt’s family would like to send a special thank you, with our love and appreciation to his caregivers that also became his friends. Judy, Brooke, Stephie, Alyssa, Christina, Patty, and many others. Your love, care, and kindness brought sunshine his life.
Many who knew Matt, also knew his love of animals, and throughout his life there were many beloved pets. In memory of Matt, donations may be made to your local animal shelter or rescue organization in his name.
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