Ernest John Dagata

Ernest “Ernie” John D’Agata passed away on November 26, 2025. A beloved resident of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and Naples, Florida, Ernie was born on September 26, 1937, in Campodipietra, Italy. He spent the first seven years of his life there with his mother while his father had already moved to the United States to establish a new home for the family.

Before the family could reunite, World War II began. Ernie’s father was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction across several European countries—though never in Italy. After the war ended, Ernie and his mother made the long voyage to New Britain, Connecticut, carrying with them a single large trunk filled with all their possessions.

Ernie later served in the U.S. Air Force, attended the University of Connecticut and went on to earn a master’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His professional life began with Owens–Illinois Glass and Xerox Corporation, where he forged a reputation for hard work and leadership. In 1982, Ernie moved to Pennsylvania and became a partner in Abington Car Complex in Clarks Summit, followed by Sun Auto in Moosic in 1988. After selling those businesses in 2003, he continued to share his expertise as a partner in the Sherwood Groves dealership in Towanda, Pennsylvania.

Ernie will be remembered for his excellent meatballs and hot peppers, his enthusiasm for nature and hunting, and his love for spending time with family and friends. Ernie is survived by his wife, Hollie (Williams), to whom he was married for almost 60 years; his daughters, Carie Burke (Kevin) and Manda D’Agata (Ian Barnes); and his cherished grandchildren, Sara, Anna, and Leah Burke, and Mattie Barnes. He also leaves behind loving sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will remember him for his generosity, constant hospitality, and the deep pride he took in his family.

The memorial service to honor Ernie’s life will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.at the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church at 4 Church Street, Tunkhannock Pennsylvania, with Military Honors taking place at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Lake Carey Union Chapel 56 Shore Dr Tunkhannock PA 18657 or the Lake Carey Dam Association (LCDA) PO Box 637 Tunkhannock PA 18657.