HERKIMER: Ernest E. "Ernie" Waterbury, 79, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at Mohawk Valley Health Care Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Ernie was born in Herkimer, NY on July 9, 1934 the son of the late Willard and Edith (Baulig) Waterbury. He was a graduate of West Canada High School. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he honorably served his country from 1952-1955 during the Korean Conflict. On July 31, 1959 Ernie married the former Nora Vineyard with whom he shared 36 years until her passing on January 31, 1996. He was blessed with a second union when he married Patricia Mankowski on June 14, 1997 and shared 13 years of love and devotion to one another until her passing on February 6, 2011. During Ernie's younger years, he held a position at Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, Utica as a tool maker. After his retirement, he worked for 16 years for Harry and Kevin Enea of the Enea Family Funeral Home as a door attendant and hearse driver. He very much enjoyed his position, and more so, Harry and Kevin enjoyed working with him and his loyalty to their business and to the families that he served over the years. A man with a loving, compassionate heart, Ernie was always the first to lend a hand. He was a fine example of an honorable man and a good father and role model to his family. He enjoyed gardening, big game hunting, fishing and spending time on his coin collection. Ernie was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and loved to watch the Buffalo Bills. He was a life member of the Herkimer VFW Post and the Ilion Moose Lodge. He is survived by his beloved sons, Robert Waterbury, Randy Waterbury and wife Lori all of Herkimer; his cherished granddaughters, Alyssa and Nora Waterbury; his twin sisters, Joan Bennett of New Hartford and Joyce Reardon of Herkimer; a special friend, Katy Wilson and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Richard Waterbury and brothers, Carl and Lee Waterbury. A special thank-you is extended to the 3rd floor Allen Calder Wing of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, the 2nd floor nurses of Mohawk Valley Health Care Center, Dr. Kevin McCormick, Dr. Joseph Booth and Dr. Alicia Detraglia for the care, devotion and compassion given to Ernie during his illness. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to The American Cancer Society in Ernie's memory; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Ernie's funeral service will take place on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with The Reverend Janet Gleason, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer/Little Falls officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer where he will be laid to rest with full military honors. The Herkimer VFW Post is asked to gather at the funeral home at 6 PM on Thursday for a service. The Waterbury Family is being cared for by Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors and Ernie's long time friends.