Ernesto DeRiso, 88, of North Haven, passed away suddenly in his home on Sunday, September 22, 2019 with his family by his side. He was the husband of the late Jennie Constantino DeRiso. He was born in Amalfi, Italy, September 14, 1931, the son of the late Pasquale and Raffaella Civale DeRiso. Ernie was the owner of Ernie’s Pizzeria, which he founded along with his family in August of 1971. His hard work and dedication were evident to all and his lifelong dream is still carried on today through his son. He was also a lifetime member of the St. Andrews Society in New Haven. Father of Pasqual “Pat” (Cynthia) DeRiso, Raffaela “Ella” (Michael) Matteo and Mary Ann (John) Croce. Grandfather of Michael (Maria) Matteo, Alessandra (Richard) Bouffard, Jonathan (Michele) Croce, Mallory (Patrick) Cumpstone and Monica Croce. Loving great-grandfather of Luca Ernesto Croce. Brother of Fiorenzo DeRiso, Silvia Lieto, Assuntina Fortezza, Iolanda Fortezza and the late Andrea DeRiso, Vincenzo DeRiso, Maria Scorzafava, Amelia Fortezza and Elvira DeRiso. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all his loyal customers for their love and support over the years.
The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home Friday morning at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104
I’m so sad to know when I look out my window that I’ll never be able to see you again. My Grandkids loved you too bcuz you paid attention to them. They were sooo sad when I told them of your passing. I’ll miss all the basil and tomatoes you gave me every year without fail but mostly I’ll miss your sweet and genuine friendship. We had many many conversations over that fence. We’d talk about food, about how owning a restaurant was a hard life, how he hated chicken and chinese food, just a host of things. I’ll miss his advise even if I disagreed I’d always agree with him bcuz I had a genuine respect for him.He worked very hard his whole life at his restaurant Ernie’s Apizza which his son Pasquale now proudly runs. He loved his belated wife Jennie so much and he sorely missed her. I can just remember her beautiful smile and her cute New York accent. They now will be reunited and I know they’ll now be happy for eternity. I miss Jennie too! Until we meet again rest easy my friend
Love you,
Sandi Sacco xoxo
So very sorry to hear about Ernie’s passing, he was a great friend of my dad. After my dad’s passing we still kept in touch, I looked up to him as a father figure. It’s been a while since I saw him because of my own family health problems, but never was he forgotten. Such a great man he is happily united with his loving wife Jennie who I used to talk to for hours. They will be both missed!! With love and prayers for the whole DeRiso Family. RIP Ernie!!💜💜
Dear Pat,Cindy, and the rest of your family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Your Dad and Mom were such special people. Full of love, humor, and their family was the most important thing to them. Being in their company ( and yours too) was always a lovely fun time. Ernie’s pizza has the most delicious pizza, and I know your Dad was so proud of you Pat continuing the tradition of Ernie’s pizza. I always have the best time at Ernie’s. We are sorry we can’t be there for the service , we are away this week. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Merilee and Stephanie
Dear Pat, Ella, & Mary Ann, so sorry to read about your dad passing. We have many fond memories of the pizzeria & when your family lived on Townsend Avenue. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Susan & Louis & the Selitte Family.
Every year at this time I pick up the chestnuts that fall from my chestnut tree. I’ve always shared them with Ernie. We used to discuss the different ways to cook them.As I picked them from the ground this time I couldn’t help but see your house and imagine you there at the fence. I’m sure there’s beautiful chestnuts in Heaven. As I walked away I threw some over the fence and laughed and cried at the same time..Missing you so much already xo
Love
Sandi Sacco