James P. Ernst

ERNST James P. Ernst age 60 of Fairfield and St. Petersburg, Fla. the beloved husband of Janice (Churchill) Ernst, entered into rest peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2008 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in McKeesport, Pa. on July 2, 1947, he was the son of the late Warren and Dee (McDonough) Ernst. James was a graduate of the University School, class of 1965, the University of New Haven, class of 1975 with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and attended the FBI National Academy 169th Session June 12, 1992. He was a retired Police Chief in Kenneth City, Fla.. from 1999 to 2007, and retired Police Lieutenant in the Trumbull Police Department serving from 1968 to 1995. He was the owner and general manager of Jackson Hewitt Tax Franchise in Largo, FL. from 1995 to 1999, owner of Capital Candy Shoppe in Bridgeport and owner of Sunset Stamp Exchange in Trumbull. He was a member of the FBI National Academy Association Connecticut and Florida Chapters, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, Police Benevolent Association of Connecticut and Florida and Police Association of Connecticut. James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, he made everyone, even the most casual acquaintances, feel special, loved and completely cared for. Survivors in addition to his wife, include his loving children, James and Cheryl Ernst of Seymour, Veronica Ernst of Shelton, William and Pamela Tassinaro of Ridgefield, Gregory and Bari Tassinaro of Davenport, Fla., Laura and Salvatore Maresca of Southport, Todd and Jennifer Tassinaro of Clearwater, Fla.; his loving grandchildren, Heather Lessard, James III and Christopher Ernst, Morgan Mrak, Alexandra and Matthew Maresca, Stephen and Michael Tassinaro; two brothers, Robert and Patricia Ernst of Stratford, Richard Ernst of Miami, Fla., and a sister, Dee Ann and Nicholas DeCrescenzo of West Haven; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Wednesday June 11, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. Directly in Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Rd. Fairfield. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245 and to sign a virtual Guest Book go to www.ctpost.com, under obituaries.