Obituary of Lawrence W. Ernst Sr

Lawrence W. Ernst, 93 years young, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at his residence in Wilton, NY. He was the son of the late F. William and Lena (Ebert) Ernst. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. “Larry the Plumber” was a Master Plumber for over 50 years. He completed his journeyman time with Albert D. Mark Plumbing & Heating, owned and operated Ernst & Orisek Plumbing & Heating until he joined Boyce & Drake Plumbing & Heating later in his career. When he finally retired his pipe wrench, he worked at the Saratoga Race Track on the maintenance crew and took pride in keeping the Winners Circle groomed for each race winner. He used his green thumb on the grounds of The Wesley Community to the delight of residents and visitors. Mr. Ernst was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Italian American War Veterans Post 35, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161, VFW Post 420, American Legion Post 278, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2586. Predeceased by his brothers, Herbert, George, William, Amos, Ralph, Albert, his infant brothers, Hermann and Frederick Ernst, his sisters, Mary Louise Hammond, Elsie Jackson, and Rena Dyke. He is survived by his children Linda Ernst (Gary Brizzie), Dave Ernst and Katie Rich (Steven Hubbard), his sister Betty Cleveland, his longtime companion Karen Flewelling, his former wife Jean Ventre, many nieces and nephews along with many lifelong friends who will miss his smile and sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to DRILLING FOR HOPE at www.drillingforhope.org Calling hours will be Friday, October 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM followed by service at 11:30 AM at the Wilton Funeral Home, 395 Ballard Road, Wilton, NY. Burial will follow the service at Maplewood Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Directions and condolences visit www.mevecfuneralhome.com .