On July 13th, 2022, Ernst “Ernie” S. Balotti passed from this world at the age of 74, after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Germany, Ernie immigrated to the United States at the age of five, and eventually became a naturalized citizen. In 1965, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa, Japan and Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. After finishing his active duty service in 1969, he served as an instructor with the Marine Corps Reserves for a short time. He married Mary Pellegrino in 1973, and they lived in Center Township, Pennsylvania, where they raised one son, Brandon. As a civilian, he worked various jobs before becoming a control room operator at St. Joe’s power plant in Monaca for 40 years until his retirement.
Larger than life, Ernie’s big personality meant that he never met a stranger. An avid outdoorsman and supporter of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, Ernie loved camping, hiking, and kayaking. He loved the various pets that he had throughout his life, and he doted on his grand-cats. Ernie’s lifelong patriotic spirit manifested in his knowledge of American flag history, and he was a member of the National Flag Foundation through which he conducted historic flag presentations for various community groups. Ernie also had great reverence for the original stewards of this land, the Native and Indigenous Peoples of North America. He was known for his love of good food, good drink, and good company – the last of which he himself provided wherever he went.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary; his son Brandon, and his wife, Amanda; beloved family in Germany, including Ernie, Tina, and Kathy; and many dear loved ones and friends made throughout his life.
There will be no formal services at this time. In lieu of flowers, Ernie’s family asks that you make a donation in his memory to your favorite animal rescue, veteran support organization, a Native American/Indigenous Peoples charity, or plant a tree in his honor.
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