Obituary of Ernest John Conti

Ernest John Conti, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday at the River Ridge Living Center after a lengthy illness. Born in Amsterdam on November 29, 1926, he was the son of Thomas and Eleanor Ratazzi Conti, he lived in this area all of his life. He was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School and later Siena College in Loudonville. Ernie was a New York State Trooper for twenty three years before he retired in 1976. He also served as Town of Amsterdam Justice for ten years. Throughout his life, he worked also as a stone mason. During World War II, he proudly served his country as a private with the US Army in Europe assisting as a medic. Even with his busy occupations, he always found time to spend with his children, attending all of their sporting events and will be remembered as a great dad. He was also community minded, serving as a Hagaman Youth League Baseball and Basketball coach. He belonged at one time to the BPO Elks Lodge 101, the Amsterdam Masonic Lodge and the Oriental Shrine. Ernie was a member of St. Ann's Episcopal Church and sang with its choir. He is survived by his sons, Michael Tammie Matecko- Conti of Australia, Christopher Ginger Conti of Pittsburgh, PA, James Diane Conti and Gregory Conti, both of Galway; daughters, Toni Anne Kerry of Mt. Pleasant SC and Sarah Andy Isburgh of Conyers, GA; brothers, James and Thomas Conti both of Amsterdam; sisters, Margaret Robusto and Theresa McMullen both of Las Vegas, NV; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Ernest John Conti, Jr., brothers, Anthony, Joseph and John Conti and a sister, Anna Morello. The Office for the Burial of the Dead will be read, and Holy Communion celebrated Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, Division St. by the Rev. Michael Jones. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Interment with military honors will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery. Contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, in care of the funeral home office.