Ernest A. Maynard

Ernest A. Maynard
Ernest (Ernie) A. Maynard, 101, of Enfield, beloved husband of the late Jacqueline M. (Giguere) Maynard, entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1924, in the Scitico section of Enfield, son of the late Patrick and Laura (Ramsey) Maynard. Ernest was a lifelong resident of Enfield and educated in the Enfield School System.
In 1951, he married Jacqueline at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield, MA, and together they shared 63 years of devotion before her passing in 2014.
Ernie honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943–1952, both active duty and reserve, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He proudly served under General Patton's Third Army and General Harmon's 2nd Armored Division during World War II. His service included campaigns across Europe and Korea, and he was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with four Bronze Campaign Stars, Presidential Unit Emblem, World War II Victory Medal, Belgian Fourragère (Ardennes Campaign, Battle of the Bulge), Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Badge Bars for Rifle and Pistol.
Following his military service, Ernie worked at Monsanto Co. in Springfield, MA, retiring in 1985 after 31 years, where he served 2 years as a production employee and 29 years as a Foreman/Supervisor in Interim Production and Research.
Deeply involved in his community, Ernie gave his time and talents as a firefighter and commissioner for the Hazardville Volunteer Fire Department earning him Firefighter of the Year in 1957 and Unsung Hero Firefighter in 1958, as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #93, a committee member for St. Bernard's new church building fund, and as a charter member of St. Bernard's Holy Name Society. He later volunteered with the Enfield Senior Center, Enfield Visiting Nurse Association (now Home & Community Health Services), and was an active member of many organizations including the Enfield Historical Society, Riverbend Club Monsanto Group, Post #1 Korean War Veterans of America, American Legion Post #80 and Post #154 of Enfield, and Amvets Post #18 of Enfield. Ernie was a proud member of the Enfield Society for the Detection of Thieves and Robbers. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2005, Ernie was named Patriot of the Year by the Town of Enfield.
Above all, Ernie cherished his family. He is survived by his two sons, Wayne F. Maynard and his wife Liza of Enfield, and Martin A. Maynard and his wife Lori of East Hartford; and his grandchildren, Shaun Maynard and his wife Nicole, Amy Maynard, and Kevin Maynard; as well as his great-grandchildren, Michael and Gabrielle; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Donald Maynard and Arthur Maynard, Rita Mary Sulewski, and Claire Okon.
Family and friends may gather for calling hours on Sunday, October 5, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. Ernie's funeral will take place on Monday, October 6, starting at 8:45 a.m. at the funeral home, with a Procession to St. Bernard's Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Enfield. Donations in Ernie's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Jeanne Jugan Parish, C/O St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave. Enfield, CT 06082. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com