Ernest Michael Willard, age 89, passed away on October 1st, 2018 in the home that he shared with his daughters, Brenda BenMaor and Cindy Fagan.

Ernest was born on June 10, 1929 in Worcester, VT. He was the son of Edward and Clara (Bolio) Willard. Ernest moved to Connecticut in 1953 and began working at Taylor and Finn. Then he worked at Pratt & Whitney and his final job was at UTC Fuel Cells where he retired over 30 years ago. He was an active volunteer fireman in Rockville in the 70’s and 80’s for many years and very proud to have been a driver of the Squirt. Ernest was an avid lover of golf, and attending the Greater Hartford Opening in Cromwell from when it was the Sammy Davis Opening until the mid 2000’s

Besides his daughters, Brenda and Cindy, he leaves behind another daughter, Ann Dube from Arizona, and sons, Ernest Jr. from Virginia and Glenn from East Hartford, CT. Ernest also leaves 7 grandchildren, James Lavoie, Catherine Gleason, Adam Dube, Timothy Fagan, Christine Holt, Andrew and Carley Willard. He also leaves behind ten great grandchildren, Connor, Scarlett, Hillary, Chad, Raven, Hunter, Marissa, Sydney, Amanda and Jayden.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Rita (Duquette) Willard, who passed away in 2016 as well as his parents and brothers, Everett, Carroll, Carl and Gordon Willard.

Relatives and friends may join the family on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect Street, Rockville, between 10am-11am with an 11am Funeral Home Service. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Vernon Fire Department, 280 West St., Vernon, CT 06066. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com

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