Ernest P. Cermola

Ernest P. Cermola “Pop Pop”, 88, of West Hartford, husband of the late Kathleen “Kathy” (O’Connor) Cermola, died Thursday, April 8, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Hartford, son of the late Carmine and Letizia (Adamo) Cermola, he was a graduate of Bulkeley High School Class of 1951. While at Bulkeley he excelled in football and basketball. Ernie graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1955, served in the US Army during the Korean War, and received his Master’s Plus degree in education from the University of Hartford in 1961. His career in education began at the elementary school level as a teacher and reading consultant in Hartford area schools and Adult Education. Ernie spent many summers teaching summer school for Hartford High students at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville. His last 25 years were spent as the Principal of Dr. James H. Naylor School. He received a citation from the State of Connecticut in recognition of his retirement after 35 years in the Hartford Public School system. “Mr. Cermola exemplifies professionalism in education. He has guided and supported the teachers, encouraged and stimulated the students, and created a hospitable environment for parents. June 18, 1992”. He built a school community based on love and respect that became a second family. He started a tradition on Flag Day of having a parade down Franklin Ave. He was an avid supporter of UCONN Women’s’ basketball games. Family was the center of his world. He attended all of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Including Alicia’s Big Band Bash. Known as Uncle Ernie, he not only attended family gatherings but recorded them and often played his kazoo. He continued playing the kazoo throughout his life and played with the band at the Elmwood Community Center. All reunions, holidays and dinners were captured by his camcorder. He loved traveling to Virginia to visit John and Belinda and looked forward to their special fieldtrips. He loved playing Santa Claus not only for his family but the neighborhood families for over 50 years. A devout Catholic, he was a parishioner at St. Brigid Church. Ernie is survived by his three children; Kathleen Cermola and her partner Karen Mancuso, Mary Beth Kennedy and her husband Philip of Burlington, and John Cermola and his wife Belinda of Sterling, Va.; his 6 grandchildren Alicia, Kaitlyn and her husband Kevin, Connor and his fiancé Serena, Collin, Austin, and Jordan; his sisters; Terry Blackstone, Ann Schmidt, Jeanne Galinsky, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Dominic, Luke, Mary, Rose and Joseph. The family would like to thank Dr. Galle, Dr Walsh, Dr. Knoll for their excellent medical care. In addition, a special thank you to the staff at Middlewoods, the Glenbrook Road families and Nutmeg Care Service for their loving support. Funeral services will be held Wednesday beginning with a walk-through visitation at 9:00 am at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will at 11:00 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle., 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Burial with military honors will be in Fairview Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 seating capacity is limited. Masks and social distancing will be required. Donations in his memory may be made to Middlewoods of Farmington, 509 Middle Rd., Farmington, CT 06032.