Ernest "Ernie" John Fanton

Ernest "Ernie" John Fanton, Pop, Dad, Grampa,77, passed away with family at his bedside at Univeristy of Tennessee Medical Center on January 28, 2012. Ernie was born on March 7,1934 in Bridgeport, CT and had been a resident of Seymour, Tennessee since 1981. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Hill Fanton & Clara Isabella Broch, and his brother Charles Fanton.

Ernie married Louise Barnes December 5,1956 in Bridgeport, CT and together they had four children. Later he married Tina DeRouso in Maryland.

He attended Beardsley School in Bridgeport, CT and served in the U.S. Army from January 1956 to December 1961 where he received a National Defense Service Medal.

Ernie was a talented carpenter and woodworker; he also owned his own trucking business that allowed him to travel and visit friends throughout the country. He loved to be on the road!

Ernie lived in Connecticut, Florida and Tennessee. He enjoyed playing softball, car racing and even came close to being a professional water skier. He loved watching all the sports networks, and was a huge longtime fan of the NY Giants. Go Giants!!! Since his retirement in 2001 he found time to make frequent visits to fellow veterans at the VA hospital.

Ernie is survived by his four children: Ernest Fanton of Waterbury CT; Kathleen Flaherty of Cheshire CT; John Fanton of Seymour, TN and Scott Fanton of Pompano, FL; five grandchildren: Jaime Newland of Knoxville TN, Ernest Fanton III of Wallingford CT, Jennie Alford of Naugatuck CT, Alexandra Fanton of Boca, FL and Emily Fanton of Woodstock, GA. Ernie was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Tessa Travali of Naugatuck CT, Mason Newland of Knoxville TN and Jordyn Alford of Naugatuck CT. His beloved cat, Mikey, will also miss him very much.

From the words of his grandson Ernest Fanton III, "RIP to my Grand Pa Ernest J. Fanton Sr.. Men like you had diesel fuel running through their veins. You were a tribute to the phrase 'They don't build them like they used too'. Thank you for being the image of what a kind, hardworking man should be." .

A private service was held for immediate family. Donations in memory of Ernie may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Highland South Funeral Home in Tennessee handled arrangements.

FUNERAL SERVICES

A private service was held for immediate family. Donations in memory of Ernie may be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Highland South Funeral Home in Tennessee handled arrangements.