Ernest V. D’Amico, on March 27, 2021, of Washington Twp. Age 75. Beloved husband of 54 years to Carol (nee Beaver). Loving father of Carmen D’Amico (Rachel) and Yvonne Ryder (George). Devoted grandfather of Brooke Ryder, Anthony D’Amico and George Ryder, III. Dear great-grandfather of Axel Talvacchio and Jaxon Talvacchio. He is also survived by his cherished cousins: Tony Tomasetti (more like a brother), Freddie Tomasetti, Domenic Sica, Anthony Sica, Kathy Mazzone and several other loving family members and close friends.

Ernie, otherwise known as Ern, Big Ern, Ernie Dee, Big E, Cheech, Mr. D, Dad and Poppy, was adored by so many.  His huge personality, distinguishable laugh and special talent for telling a story will be sorely missed.  Ernie was a barber by trade but his true passion was music, which started at a very young age.  His Uncle Frankie taught him to play the drums as a child and his Uncle Domenic bought him his first set of drums when he was in his teens.  Before that he practiced on boxes and potato chip cans.

As a young man he joined a band where they played parties until he could pass for being old enough to start playing in clubs.  He actually got a fake ID (ABC Card) so he could start playing in clubs around the age of 16.  Right out of high school he was drafted to the Army where he played in the Army Band.  It wasn’t long before his talent was evident and he was recruited to also join an Off Post Band.  They played all over Indianapolis Indiana, which is where he met the love of his life, Carol.  One night after a gig the band went to a restaurant called “The Pole”.  Carol was there with her friends and she was hooked as soon as she saw him pull up in the Yellow Convertible 65 Chevy with his band mates.   For both of them it was love at first sight.

They married soon after and began building their life and family together.  Needing to support his family, Ernie went to barber school while he was playing in the band at night.  He worked both jobs full time for many years sacrificing his time, and sleep, for his family who he adored.  Most days he would come home from a long day at the Barber Shop only long enough to eat and change into his Tux before going back out to a gig at either the Settlers’ Inn, Pirates’ Inn, The Crab Trap or one of the Atlantic City Casinos, just to name a few.

He continued this schedule for 25 years until he stopped playing drums full time and just played select gigs well into his 60’s.  He continued as a Barber full time until his retirement in which he still cut hair 2 days a week up until 5 months before he passed.  Ernie was a beloved Husband of 54 years, Loving Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather and friend to so many.  He leaves behind so many priceless memories.  May he forever rest in peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00 pm and Thursday 9:30 – 10:30 am at the Egizi Funeral Home 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Funeral Service 10:30. Interment with Military Honors at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernest’s memory may be made to The MDS Foundation, 4573 South Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620 or by clicking the link.