Ernie Lefebvre

March 12, 2018

Ernest (Ernie) A. Lefebvre, 93, beloved husband of 52 years to the late Una Moriarty Lefebvre of West Hartford died peacefully, on Monday, March 12th, 2018. Born in Bristol, to the late Ernest N. and Olivine (Hemond) Lefebvre, he resided in West Hartford for the past 60 years. Ernest graduated from Bristol High School in 1942 as a three sport athlete and went on to serve in Army Intelligence during WWII, participating in the drive across France and the Battle of the Bulge. After VE Day, Ernie played football and basketball for the Army All-Stars throughout Europe. He attended the University of Connecticut and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity graduating with a degree in Accounting in 1950. He played football for four years and captained the team his senior year. He was a devoted football and basketball alumnus attending home and away games for the majority of his life. Ernie’s professional career included the New Departure (GM) in Bristol, Royal Typewriter in Hartford, and 21 years of committed service to Zero Manufacturing, in Monson, Massachusetts, as the chief controller of all US divisions. He was a communicant of St. Timothy’s Church in West Hartford and volunteered his time for many years including record keeping for the parish working closely with Pastor, Father Francis O’Neil. Ernie enjoyed many interests including music, sports, gardening, and traveling. As a young boy, he learned to play the piano by ear, and throughout his entire life he entertained generations of friends and family with his gift to create music. If music was not coming from his own piano, it was always playing throughout his home. He routinely vacationed at Cape Cod attending Chatham Band Concerts with his family. Ernie was an avid sports fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, and the Patriots. He was known to never miss a game for one of his teams. He loved to play golf and was a member of the Quaboag Country Club in Monson, MA. Ernie enjoyed landscaping his yard and had a passion for creating beautiful potted flower arrangements. Ernie was a pillar of self discipline. His ethos was informed by his experiences in the Great Depression and WW II as a member of the Greatest Generation. He was a mentor, personal coach, and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. His life wisdom was valued by all who knew him. His bigger than life presence left an imprint on those closest to him. His strength, guidance, and love will be missed greatly by all. Ernie is survived by his adoring children; Major General Paul E. Lefebvre, USMC (Ret) and his wife Debbie of Emerald Isle, NC, Beth Anne Van Vranken of West Hartford, Ellen Jane Klein of Wethersfield, and Melinda Lefebvre of Scottsboro, AL. He leaves five beloved grandchildren, Dr. Thomas Lefebvre and his wife Dr. Chelsea Lefebvre, Elizabeth Shelton and her husband Matthew Shelton, Grace Van Vranken, Emily Stanwick and William Stanwick. He also leaves behind five great grandchildren, PJ, Penelope, and Ernie Lefebvre and Sophie and Isla Shelton. Ernie was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Ann (Kiki) Lemoine of Bristol. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 15th, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. His funeral will be with a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 16th at 11 a.m. in The Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.