Ernest "Ernie" J. Latray
Ernest "Ernie" J. Latray, Jr., 76, of Rome, peacefully passed away, Saturday, September 7, 2019, at St. Elizabeth's of the Mohawk Valley Health System. Utica. with his loving family at his side, following a long illness.
He was born on June 10, 1943, in Utica, the son of the late Ernest J. and Cecelia Mathis Latray and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On March 21, 1992, Ernie was united in marriage with the former Linda Juckett in Utica.
Prior to his retirement, he was an electrician for the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, Utica. Earlier in his career, Ernie was with Chicago Pneumatic and then Kelsey-Haynes, Utica. Ernie was well known handyman throughout the area especially Sylvan Beach where many lifelong friendships were established.
Ernie was of the Catholic faith. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting in his early years and then growing into a passion for fishing. Ernie had a one of a kind love for his family and his canine companions. He enjoyed passing time simply sitting with his dogs and smoking black cherry tobacco pipe.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Linda; his children, Beverly Piccione and Leo Genung of Boonville, Ernest Latray of Whitesboro, Robert Latray of Ilion, Steven and Michelle Latray of Groesback, Tx, David Baris and fiancee, Melissa Mitchell of Marcy. Christopher Baris of Marcy, Dawn and Joe Colangelo of Rome; his grandchildren, Jeremy Piccione, Brittany Piccione Jessica Wilson, Joshua Latray, Bobbi Kristina Latray, Kimberley Latray, Cameron Wood, Bryce Latray, Brody Latray, Brianna Latray, Christian Baris, Adreanna Baris and soon to be husband, Spencer Schultz and Alysia Colangelo; special niece and husband, whom was considered a granddaughter, Linda and Vish Saugh of Florida, former daughter-in-law, Little Debbie Latray of Ilion and five great grandchildren. Ernie is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Sylvia Derby of Florida and Sharon and Charlie Chapman of Syracuse, his father-in-law, Tinker Juckett of Schuyler, sisters-in-law, Beverly, Patti, and Nutt and his canine companions, Patches and Tinker.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Deborah Wood in 2013, his mother-in-law, Charlotte "Twinkie" Juckett on March 6, 2016 and his canine companion, Pepper.
In keeping Ernie's wishes, there will be no public services. The family will hold a private celebration of life following his cremation. In Ernie's memory. kindly consider donations to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.
Ernie and his family's care have been entrusted to Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St., Rome. www.bottinifunera1home.com