Ernie Travisano

Husband, Brother, Teacher, Coach
Ernie Travisano, known to his friends as "Iggy" or "Gore" passed away peacefully on Friday June 28, 2024 in his longtime home in Scottsdale Arizona in the loving presence of his wife Lisa.
Ernie was born October 6, 1951 in Waterbury, Connecticut, the second of four children born to Ernest A. and Lucy (Lamberti) Travisano. He was raised in Waterbury and attended local schools, graduating from St. Francis Xavier Grammar School and Sacred Heart High School, class of 1969. While in high school he played football and was a member of the track team.
Following high school, he attended Seton Hall University and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education. While at Seton Hall, he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, played intramural basketball and played on the
colege club football team. He was also a DJ at the Campus Radio Station WSOU and a Resident Assistant.
After graduation, Ernie became a Math teacher at East Side High School in Newark, New Jersey, was the coach of their hockey team and was also an assistant coach of the football team. He always championed his students. He was known to provide extra math classes and student mentoring in his personal time, even buying tickets for students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom. During this time, Ernie was also a notable member of the Ironbound section of his Newark, New Jersey neighborhood.
In 1987, Ernie married Lisa Weisbecker in Paris, France with the help of his faithful and loyal friend Arunas Paliulis who lived in Paris at the time. They spent two weeks in France and all three Honeymooned in Ireland. Yes, you read that correctly, a fact we continue to smile about. A week after their return home from their honeymoon, Ernie was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident that left him with a Traumatic Brain Injury.
In 1989, Lisa moved with Ernie to Scottsdale, Arizona in search of a better life and better health care. He was placed in a skilled nursing facility until moving to a care home one block away from Lisa. There, he was under the impeccable care and compassion of Crina and George Gavrita for which Lisa will be forever grateful.
Lisa wishes to thank many who offered support, love, prayers and loyal friendship through the past 38 years: Steven, Sabrina, and Tony Lasater, Arunas Paliulis, Bryan, Maureen and Chris Mulville, Bill Sheil, John Ambrozaitis, Roger Rogowski, Jody Bergamotto and Gary Parlitto, may he rest in peace.
Additionally, Lisa wishes to thank all the staff at Hospice of the Valley, Sherman House, especially Dr. Martin, Director of Nursing Todd, Nurse Jessica, and Care Giver Veronia for all their tenderness, care and support during Ernie's final days.
In addition to Lisa, his beloved and devoted wife, Ernie is survived by his brothers Frank Travisano of Woodbury and David (Carmen) Travisano of Rocky Hill, and his sister Diane Travisano of Watertown. He also leaves two nieces and a great niece and nephew as well as numerous cousins in Connecticut and in the New England area.
Ernie's Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, All Saints Parish, 309 South Main Street in Waterbury. There are no calling hours. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Maiorano Funeral Home had the honor of assisting Ernie's family during this difficult time. For more information, to sign the online guestbook or to leave online condolences for the family, please visit maioranofuneralhome.com.
Ernie will forever remain a living legend in the hearts of all who loved him.