Ernest John "Ernie" Fanton

FANTON, ERNEST "ERNIE" JOHN - Pop, Dad, Grampa, age 77 passed away with family at his bedside at UT Medical Center on January 28, 2012. Ernie was born on March 7, 1934 in Bridgeport Connecticut and lived in Seymour Tennessee since 1981. He was predeceased by his parents Charles Hill Fanton and Clara Isabella Broch, along with his brother Charles Fanton. Ernie married Louise Barnes December 5, 1956 in Bridgeport Connecticut and together they had with four children. Later he married Tina DeRouso in Maryland. He attended Beardsley School in Bridgeport Connecticut. He served in the United States Army from January 1956-December 1961 where he received a National Defense Service Medal. Ernie was a talented carpenter and wood worker; he also owned his own trucking business that allowed him to travel and visit friends throughout the country. Ernie loved to be on the road! Ernie lived in Connecticut, Florida and Tennessee. He enjoyed playing softball, car racing and even came close to being a professional water skier. He loved watching all the sports networks, and was a huge longtime fan of the NY Giants. Go Giants!!! Since his retirement in 2001 he found time to make frequent visits to fellow veterans at the VA hospital. Ernie is survived by his children Ernest Fanton of Waterbury, CT, Kathleen Flaherty of Cheshire, CT, John Fanton of Seymour, TN and Scott Fanton of Pompano, Florida; his grandchildren, Jaime Newland Knoxville, TN, Ernest Fanton III Wallingford, CT, Jennie Alford Naugatuck, CT, Alexandra Fanton, Boca, Florida, Emily Fanton Woodstock, GA. Ernie was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Tessa Travali Naugatuck, CT, Mason Newland Knoxville, TN, Jordyn Alford Naugatuck, CT. His cat beloved cat Mikey will also miss him very much. From the words of his grandson Ernest Fanton III, "RIP to my Grand Pa Ernest J Fanton Sr. Men like you had diesel fuel running through their veins. You were a tribute to the phrase "They don't build them like they used to" Thank you for being the image of what a Kind Hardworking Man should be." A private service will be held for immediate family. Donations may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Highland South Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.