Obituary of C. Ernest Banfield

BANFIELD - C. Ernest "Ernie," 79, Ebensburg, died May 4, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born May 13, 1927, in Colver, son of James Lewis and Rose (Kavanagh) Banfield. Preceded in death by parents and brothers, James Jr. and Joseph. Survived by wife, the former, Velma Duman; and these children: Jane Banfield, New Jersey; Charles Jr., Ebensburg; Nancy, wife of Bob Lennon, Johnstown; Denny, married to the former Carmen Munoz, Ebensburg; Jeffrey, married to the former Sandra Myers, Gallitzin; Susan, wife of Ted Nealen, Nicktown; and John, Florida. Also survived by grandchildren, Matthew Banfield; Ryan and Patrick Lennon; Angela, Eric, Joseph and Michael Nealen; and two stepgrandchildren, Jerry and Joan Kitchick. Brother of Richard, California; Robert, Corapolis; and Tom, Maryland. Served in the Navy Seabees during WWII in the Pacific Theatre and on the USS Mountrail during the Korean Conflict. He was a refrigeration specialist at Thule Air Base in Greenland. Member of VFW Post 4963, Ebensburg. Formerly employed by Ebensburg Coal Co. and Eastern Gas and Fuel Co., Colver. Retired from Bethlehem Mine 32, Revloc, in 1986. Ernie loved his friends at Lakeview and sitting on his porch and his "couch." Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where vigil wake service will be held Tuesday evening. Funeral Mass will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, the Rev. Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus. Entombment, Holy Name Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Name church in Ernie's memory.