Ernest F. Gifford, Jr.

Ernest F. Gifford, 88, of Hope, RI, passed away on November 13th, 2023, at Kent County Memorial Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Isabel C. (Deken) Gifford for 67 years. They were married in 1954, at St Teresa’s Church, Glennonville, MO.

Ernest is survived by five devoted children: Kathleen L. Langlais (Dale), of Mercer, ME; Michael E. Gifford (Paula), of Chester, CT; Brian D. Gifford (Lynn) of Springfield, VA; Cynthia A. Chatell, of Scituate, RI; and Lynn G. Fuerst (Stephan), of Warwick, RI.

In addition, he leaves six greatly loved grandchildren: Joshua J. Chatell; Kimberly A. Burton (Robert); Kelly E. Gifford; Daniel H. Langlais (Heather); Steven D. Gifford (Jenna); and Natalie I. Fuerst. Also, six cherished great-grandchildren and a large, marvelous, extended family.

Ernest was born in Providence, RI, to the late Ernest F. and Alice L. (Hopkins) Gifford and was raised in the village of Hope, RI. Ernie is an Air Force Veteran, serving during the Korean War as a jet engine specialist with the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He was later employed for thirty-six years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, of East Hartford, CT, as both employee & contractor: retiring in 1993.

For many years Ernest was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved fly-fishing for striped bass, tying his own flies and making fishing rods. He also enjoyed pursuing family genealogy and local history and spent countless hours researching records at the State Archives, various Town Halls, and other archival facilities. He is a Charter Member of the Hope Historical Society, a Life Member of the Hope & Jackson Fire Company, a Member of the Scituate Preservation Society, a Past President of the Pawtuxet Valley Old Timers Association and a member of the Biggest Bucks in Maine Club. He was a communicant at SS. Peter & Paul Church, in West Warwick.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, November 19th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul Church, 48 Highland Street, West Warwick. Interment with military honors will be in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, contributions to SS. Peter & Paul Church will be appreciated.

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