Obituary of Philip R. Ernst

Philip R. Ernst of Rome, NY passed away May 11, 2024 at Rome Hospital at the age of 65.  He will be remembered as a generous friend, a loving father, and a caring husband.

Born January 11, 1959, to Francis R. (“Rocky”) and Jeanette J. (Janis) Ernst, Phil grew to be an excellent athlete and later a skilled carpenter and craftsman.   He received his education at both Rome Free Academy and Holland Patent Central School.  Post graduation, he played semi-pro football with the Oneida Silver Bullets.  Phil later became an avid (and pretty good) golfer.  His secular career started when he began working with his dad at Janis Home Builders.  He later left to form his own successful contracting business.

On May 31, 1986, he married Elizabeth Jean Miller.  Together, with some help from family and friends, they constructed the house in which they lived and raised two wonderful boys, Josh and Dylan. 

Phil is survived by his wife of nearly 38 years, Liz, and his precious sons, Joshua D. and Dylan J., and his sister Sharon (Arthur) Lomascolo as well as Sharon and Art’s children, Uncle Phil’s adored Lomascolo nieces and nephew – Jordan (Jamine), Amber, Moriah, and Savannah.  He was predeceased by his father and mother, Rocky and Jeanette, and his infant sister, Susan.

Despite his long battle with a number of serious health issues, Phil remained a generous and soft-spoken man with a determined resolve to care for the family he deeply loved.  A funeral service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6615 Potter Road, Rome, NY on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 6:30 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.