Ernest Siladi

Siladi, Ernest J.
Ernest "Ernie" Siladi age 90, resident of Maplewood at Newtown, passed away peacefully September 3, 2014. Prior to moving to Newtown, Ernie lived in Fishkill, NY and Stamford, CT.
Ernie was born June 16, 1924 in Stamford, Connecticut and was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Walter Siladi and Helen Rimany Siladi, and a younger brother, Elmer Paul Siladi. He was also predeceased by two wives: Jean Fergusson Ryder d. 1973 and Juanita Marie Sellmeyer Kester d. 2006.
He attended the University of Maryland before transferring to the Navy V-12 program at Cornell where he completed two years of pre-med before active duty in the Navy as a look-out on the USS Pasadena CL-65 stationed in the Pacific. Upon discharge from the Navy in 1946, he graduated from Fordham University School of Pharmacy in 1949.
In his younger years he played intramural softball at Fordham and later went on to play soccer with the semi-pro White Plains club.
Following in his father's footsteps, who had opened his first pharmacy on the corner of Broad and Summer Street, "Broad-Way" Pharmacy, Ernie (a Registered Pharmacist in CT and NY) opened his pharmacy, Siladi's Pharmacy, September 1950 at Bull's Head, later followed by a second pharmacy April 1969 also in Stamford in Grand Central Shopping Center.
Ernie held many volunteer positions throughout the years: President of the Southwestern Pharmaceutical Association, President as well as all offices of the Stamford Exchange Club including editor for the club's bulletin. He was a lifetime member and deacon of the First Congregational Church of Stamford and a 32? Mason of Union Lodge #5 since 1951.
In 1996 Ernie was honored by the Stamford Old Timers Club (athletic award).
Among Ernie's many hobbies were gardening, bowling, fishing, cards, coin and stamp collecting, painting and singing/karaoke. He was fortunate to catch a 150 lb. Mako shark and a 9 ½ foot Sailfish.
Ernie is survived by four children: Karen Chouinard of Winter Haven, Florida; Kim Siladi of Danbury, Connecticut; Joseph Siladi of Fishkill, NY and Kevin Siladi of Sandy Hook, Connecticut; three step-children: Elaine Rentz of Vermont; David Kester of Florida and Lynn Kester formerly of Stamford, Connecticut; ten grandchildren: John (Kester) Pia, Kate Coley, Andrew Chouinard, Lt. J.G. Jonathan Siladi, Kristina Siladi, Adam Siladi, Alex Siladi, Alison Siladi, Michele Siladi, Jack Dorfsman and one great grandchild, Aliza Coley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Stamford, 1 Walton Place, Stamford, CT 06901.
Calling hours will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford on Sunday, September 7, 2014.
Private burial at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery will be on Monday, September 8, 2014.
A memorial Service will be celebrated at the First Congregational Church of Stamford at a later date.