Ernest P. Zafonte Jr.

Ernest “Ernie” Zafonte, Jr. passed away on November 12, 2023, just one day after celebrating his 68th birthday. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

Ernie was born in Valley Stream NY to Ernest Sr. and Lucene Zafonte, on Veterans Day November 11, 1955. He graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 1973. In 1974 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant and served our country during the Gulf War (Desert Storm). After providing invaluable assistance to the Marine Reserves, he retired after 22 years of service.

Ernie is remembered as a man of many faces and talents … but mostly it’s his special brand of humor and mischief that is his legacy. Beneath the gruff exterior was a huge heart and a fierce love for his family. His heart was most full when he could spend time with his wife, his cat (Willy), his daughter, granddaughters, siblings, and his nieces and nephews. If you were lucky, you’d get a classic Ernie phone call to check in with the latest news or to give his recommendations for restaurants he saw on TV, or just to say hello before signing off with the signature “Okie Doke.”

Ernie leaves behind many, many friends that he picked up along the way, including those from the American Sea Rangers and Marine Corps. Most of all Ernie will be missed dearly by his family: his wife Kathleen, stepson Gary, daughter Amanda (Daniel), granddaughters Cassidy and Rylee, sister Rosann (Bob), brother Joe (Meredith), sister Marian (Nick), and sister Donna Maria (Bill). And a gaggle of knucklehead nieces and nephews.

As we say goodbye, we ask, “Ernie, who’s better than YOU?”