Trombley, Ernest J.

Ernest J. Trombley, known affectionately as “Ernie,” passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at his home in Canton surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie’s early years were spent in Roxbury and Dorchester, where he cultivated lifelong friendships and graduated from Dorchester High School. His strong sense of duty led him to a distinguished 23-year career in the U.S. Navy, through which he served two tours during the Vietnam War. As a proud member of the U.S. Navy MCB-12, the combat Seabees, Ernie was later chosen to oversee the refurbishment of ‘Old Ironsides’ — which still sits proudly in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Ernie’s unwavering dedication earned him an honorable discharge in 1997. His commitment to service did not end with his retirement. He was a longtime member of the Canton Veterans Services Department Honor Guard, where he continued to honor his fellow servicemen and women. His steadfast presence was a source of comfort and pride at countless ceremonies and memorials.

In 1984, Ernie married Susan Nelson Trombley (Mastandrea). He was the devoted father of Denise DiLuigi and her husband, Frank, of East Boston and the late Jason Trombley and stepfather of Suzanne Conley and her husband, John, of Canton, Jennifer Lebowitz and her fiancé, Christopher Eckler, of Canton, and the late Jacob Nelson. He is survived by 13 beloved grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was a cherished brother to Joan Rideout and her late husband, Donald, of NC, Marion Jansky and her husband, Paul, of Whitman, Jeanette Doyle and her late husband, Patrick, of Whitman, Fred Trombley and his wife, Vasana, of CA, and he held dear the memory of his late siblings George, William, and Susan Trombley. His love for his family was the cornerstone of his life, and his guidance and affection will be sorely missed.

Ernie’s family and friends will cherish a lifetime of many happy memories. “You can take the boy out of Roxbury, but you can’t take the Roxbury out of the boy.” Ernie was a self-proclaimed ‘city kid,’ though he later developed a genuine connection to the town of Canton. Ernie brought his work ethic and craftsmanship there, where he spent many years as a skilled carpenter. In his almost 40 years as a ‘townie,’ he befriended many of the people who also served in the public sector.

Ernie was a born storyteller, and his quick wit and irreverent sense of humor brought much laughter to gatherings of family and friends. He and his siblings also loved to sing, which extended many family get-togethers well into the evening. If Ernie wasn’t at home watching the Patriots or the Red Sox, you could often find him out coin collecting or at Foxwoods or possibly Las Vegas; he and Susan renewed their vows for their 30th wedding anniversary there. In his later years, he and Susan enjoyed traveling with family and friends in and out of the United States.

One of Ernie’s proudest achievements was as a friend of Bill W for 43 years. Ernie’s journey inspired many, and his support and friendship were pillars to those who walked the path of recovery with him. Rest in peace, Ernie; this legacy will endure forever, as will the many loving memories of his family, his siblings and his friends.

Funeral Mass at St. Oscar Romero Church in Canton Friday (tomorrow) at 11 a.m. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, Friday prior to the Mass from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Randolph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the American Cancer Society.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jan 16 2025. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.