Ernest A. (Uncle Ernie) Medeiros died at the Royal Nursing Home in Falmouth on November 11, Veterans Day. He was 79.
He was born May 4, 1935 to Ernest S. and Evelyn (Metell) Medeiros
Ernie enlisted in the Navy and trained as a dentist’s assistant where he earned a Good Conduct Medal.
After discharge from the Navy he returned to the Island and worked as a house painter for most of his life. When it began to be too hard to climb ladders anymore he got into furniture restoration, knife sharpening and screen repair. He loved dogs and training dogs to hunt rabbits and birds. He often had a pair of Beagles for rabbit hunting that he shared with friends Bill Silva, Lee Welch and Bob Rose.
Ernie taught his sons Eric and Jeffrey how to hunt and fish. He was even able to hunt and fish with his grandchildren Matthew and Evelyn on occasion, which made it an extra special outing. He loved to read all sorts of novels, history books and especially articles on hunting. He was always up on the newest guns or loads for everything from squirrels to deer.
A few years ago he read about a new Browning shotgun said to be “the latest best thing” for deer hunting and he had to have it. When he showed up for deer hunting with his new Browning his son Eric told him he was crazy and that gun was a waste of money and it would not help him get a deer. That year, Ernie shot six deer with that gun just to prove him wrong. The gang rightfully named the gun “Black Death.”
He continued hunting up to three years ago when he finally had to admit that while he was still able to carry the gun through the woods he was no longer able to lift it to his shoulder if a deer ran by him. It was obvious that being out in the woods with his gang of friends meant more to him than being able to shoot anything. He cherished the days of hunting with his pals, Bill Silva, Lee Welch, Bob Williston, Steve Amaral, Bob Rose and the whole “Rose Gang.”
Ernie was also proud to have been in the Island’s first class for E.M.T.s. He was on the Island’s first town ambulance squad in Edgartown. He was also on the West Tisbury Fire Department for many years and was a big part of running the department’s burger booth at the Ag Fair each year with his friend David Merry.
Above all, Ernie loved people and loved to talk. Running into Ernie in the market or the street was always good for a half hour conversation, whether you were ready or not he had a story for you, or a recipe to tell you about that he had tried, as he loved to cook.
Ernie is survived by his former wife Margaret (Corio) St.Pierre; son Jeffrey Medeiros; daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Christopher “CJ” of Delaware; son Eric and daughter-in-law Karen; granddaughters Emily and Evelyn and grandson Matthew of Vineyard Haven; and his sister Frances Evans of Falmouth.
Services will be held 11 am, Thursday, November 20 at Oak Grove Cemetery, State Road, Vineyard Haven with military honors provided by the veterans of MV.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living Supportive Day Program, PO Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or the West Tisbury Firemen’s Civic Association, PO Box 211, West Tisbury, MA 02575.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.