Ernest Nicholas Balducci

Ernest Nicholas Balducci passed away suddenly on Friday July 22 at the age of 86 years old at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Toledo, OH.

Ernie was born on February 2, 1936 in Canastota, NY to Ernest L. and Theresa M. (Cerio) Balducci.  Ernie had many wonderful memories growing up and spending his first 40 years in Canastota.  He was a whiz in Math and Science and recounted many stories about his favorite Canastota high school teacher, Ms. Daniels, who supported him in his dreams of being an engineer.  He would regale people with many anecdotes of growing up in his Italian neighborhood and the people of Canastota.  He graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He immediately went to work for General Electric Corporation eventually working for the Government Contracts division.  His fondest memories were problem solving with the team who worked with him on Gemini IX which currently resides in the Smithsonian Institute.  He married Anna M. (Galeotti) on July 9, 1960.  They welcomed their home and hearts to their three adoptive children and were wonderful role models and parents. In subsequent years, he worked for DieMolding Corporation in Canastota, NCR in Ithaca, NY and then returned to General Electric/Lockheed Martin until he retired.

While in Canastota, Ernie devoted many volunteer civic hours to various positions including President of Lions Club and President of the Canastota School Board.

Ernie had an extremely active and shrewd mind until the day he died.  He completed complex 3-D Mechanical Wooden Models- one was a working gramophone with thousands of pieces.  He also loved crossword puzzles, collecting coins, current events and spending time at the lake with his family.

Ernie is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years, Ann Balducci, his three children, Tom, Laura (David) Barned, and Laureen Balducci (Erik), granddaughters, Emma and Clara Barned, and his brother, Jim Balducci (Linda).

There will be a private interment and ceremony at St. Agatha’s Catholic Cemetery in Canastota, NY.

Donations in Ernie’s name may be made at the Animal Shelter of your choice.