Photo that accompanied Nelson's obituary in the Times of Port Royal.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/8/15 - Image Year: 1910
OBITUARY for NELSON ERNEST
Nelson Ernest, 91, of Stroudsburg, PA, died Saturday, February 21 , 2015 after a short stay in Hospice care.
Born January 10, 1924 in Spruce Hill, Juniata County, he was the second son of the late Melvin J. Ernest and Maude (Kurtz) Ernest.
Nelson was the loving husband of Martha (Scanlon) Ernest, who survives.
In addition to his wife, Nelson is survived by his daughter, Miriam Bandfield of Marion, IA; daughter, Cynthia Ernest of Pawtucket, RI; son, Timothy Ernest of Stroudsburg, PA; daughter-in-law, Wendy Ernest; son-in-law, Peter Bandfield; grandchildren, Laura, Jesse and Anna Bandfield, Jessica Matthews, Jennifer Wenner & husband Jason and great-granddaughter, Macey Winner.
Nelson was born on the family farm and attended a one room schoolhouse, then Port Royal High School. He served with the Merchant Marines during WWII in the South Pacific. After the war, he graduated from both Marysville College, TN and the University of Michigan, earning a Masters degree in music education.
He became the head of the music department for the North Pfainfield, NJ public school system, where he taught instrumental music and led the marching bang for 42 years. In addition, Nelson enjoyed playing French horn with the Westfield, NJ community band, East Stroudsburg University orchestra and the Stroudsburg Centennial band.
He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Plainfield, NJ, where he was a church elder and sang in the choir. In addition, Nelson arranged music and played French horn in a church quartet. Recently, he attended the Stroudsburg Methodist Church.
Upon retirement, Nelson became a docent at Carnegie Hall in New York. He and Martha traveled extensively both in the United States and abroad, and spent summers at their cottage in Pocono Pines that he built with his son. His true joy in life was spending time with his family.
Private services will take place at the convenience of the family with burial in Port Royal, PA.
Arrangements were by William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. www.wmhclarkfuneralhome.com.
