Ernest Paul Schede

Ernest Paul Schede, 82, beloved husband of Sandy Maier Schede passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025 at home in Meriden surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport on May, 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Harold Schede and Helen Margaret Salva. Ernest resided in Bridgeport and graduated from Bridgeport High School prior to entering the Navy. Mr. Schede was a self-employed carpenter prior to retiring in 2009.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the U.S. Navy prepping planes on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard CV-31. Pilots requested Ernie's Wile E. Coyote paintings on their planes – Ernie chose Wile E. Coyote as he always came back.
Ernest was a member of the First Congregational Church, where he married his beloved wife, Sandy, in 1979. Together, they shared 45 cherished years in the home he built with his own hands. In his younger days, Ernest thrilled in racing his Ford Fairlane at the Connecticut Dragway. A hardworking and passionate jack-of-all-trades, he was also an avid NASCAR fan and was always there to help friends and family with building and fixing. He was an accomplished barefoot water skier with a deep love for rescuing pets.
Besides his wife Sandy, he is survived by his three daughters, Jaclyn Piatak and her husband Michael, Kim Schede, and Stacy Higney; five grandchildren, Natalie Piatak, Emily Iannucci, Ryan Potter, Derek Potter, and Brianna Higney; and his brother, Harold Schede. Ernest was predeceased by his sisters, Carol Quoka and Cathy Hurst and his brothers, Paul Schede and Daniel Schede.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, August 8th at 11 a.m. in Walnut Grove Cemetery, 817 Old Colony Rd., Meriden, CT 06451. There are no calling hours, and the funeral has been entrusted with the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450 or to the rescue of your choice. For online condolences, visit jferryfh.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ernest, please visit our Tree Store.