David E Ernest

David E. Ernest, 77 of Ickesburg, passed away unexpectedly on March 26, 2025.  Dave and his family wish to publicly thank the wonderful medical professionals of UPMC Harrisburg Third Floor Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for their great compassion and care!  Born at home on April 20, 1947, to the late Karl M. and Adele L. (Peck) Ernest of Ickesburg, Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Helen (Haas) Ernest; two nieces:  Heather Cataldi (Virgil) of Loysville and Erica Horvath (Joe) of Dover; two grandnieces:  Brigitte Shanholtz (AJ) of Carlisle and Daphne Horvath of Dover; and two grandnephews:  Brady McNaughton (Anna) of Cheyenne, WY and Nolan Horvath of Dover.  In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his brother, Richard L. Ernest, who died in 2023.

Dave graduated with the very first class from West Perry High School – proudly 1965!  In 1969, Dave started work at Loysville Youth Development Center (LYDC) as a Houseparent.  He retired 27 years later, as the Director of Loysville Secure Treatment Unit on the grounds of LYDC.  Dave loved Perry County!  He was born and grew up in Ickesburg, moved to Danville with work– where he met his wife, and returned to Ickesburg to live, still in the sightline of the home where he was born.  Dave was a member of the Ickesburg Fire Company and Blain Sportsman’s Club.  Dave enjoyed hunting turkey and deer with his cousins, Dale, John and Mark Ernest, at the camp in Tioga County.  Dave enjoyed the woods and loved driving his all-terrain vehicle throughout.  He also enjoyed watching the Port Royal sprint car races on his bigger than big television.

Dave is the guest of honor at his Gathering of Friends and Family Open House, being held in the calming chapel of Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc. on April 2, 2025 from 3 to 7 PM.  This type of gathering is a casual come-and-go type of get together, where folks come to pay their condolences to the family and stay for a while to chat and reminisce about memories with Dave.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Dave’s name to your favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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