Online Obituaries

Ernest S. Mendrala, 91, of Chicopee, beloved husband of Lottie (Opshontyk) Mendrala, passed away peacefully at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke on December 1, 2019. Born in Chicopee, MA on January 18, 1928, he was the son of the late Ignatius and Bertha (Walaga) Mendrala. He had a sister, Freda Weatherbe, who passed away in 2000. Ernest was an Airman in the United States Navy. He enlisted in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1949. He received the World War II victory medal and a Good Conduct medal. He worked for the Uniroyal Tire Company and the Super Brush Company. He also worked for the City of Chicopee as Alderman of Ward 2B for 8 years. His last job was working for STCC in security before retiring at the age of 80. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan and enjoyed watching all the games on TV. He was member of American Legion Post 452 in Chicopee. He enjoyed Sunday dinners with his family, listening and dancing to polish music and spending time with his grandchildren. Besides his wife Lottie, of 58 years, he leaves his son Joseph, his wife Paula and their son Adam, his son Ernest, his girlfriend Cara and her daughter Ava, his daughter Susan, and her husband Jerry, his daughter Sandy, her husband Rob and their son Christopher and his daughter Mary, her husband Sean and their sons Nathan and Nicholas. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. His family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 4-6 pm at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 61 Grape Street, Chicopee. His funeral will be held on Thursday, 9 am at the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 566 Front Street, Chicopee at 10 am. His burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Soldiers Home of Holyoke 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke MA 01040, the Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01002 or Northampton VA Medical Center, 421 Main Street, Leeds MA 01053.