Elmer "Jack" Ernisse

Elmer “Jack” Ernisse died on January 23, 2025 at St. John’s Home at the age of 94. Jack was a lifelong member of Salem United Church of Christ. He served with the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean War. A life-long resident of Rochester, NY, Jack was the only child of James and Florence Ernisse. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1949 and went to work as a Draftsman at Gleason Works. At Gleason, Jack met Doris Peglow and they married in 1955. They had four children; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren followed as the years passed. Jack loved music and loved to sing. At Franklin, he was a member of the Inner-High Chorus. He was a member of the Gleason Male Chorus and drove weekly to Lockport, NY for years to sing with the Lock City Glee Club. He sang Barbershop with the Chorus of the Erie Canal and the Chorus of the Genesee. Jack and Doris traveled to many Barbershop conventions and competitions and went to Ireland with the Chorus of the Genesee for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. There were trips to Big Sings with the Gleason and Lock City choruses. They were both members of the Salem Church choir. Jack continued singing while at St. John’s Home; participating in ecumenical services and performing impromptu concerts in the dining room. Jack was a sports fan. He enjoyed attending Rochester Royal basketball games in his younger days and then the Rochester RazorSharks; as well as the Rochester Red Wings. He had season tickets for the Buffalo Bills and many Sundays were spent at Rich Stadium cheering on Jim Kelly and the team. Jack and Doris traveled to two of the Bills Super Bowl games. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and softball with friends at Salem Park. Jack’s family would like to thank the staff at St. John’s Home for their love and care of Jack over the last three years. We are also grateful to the staff from Rochester Regional Hospice Care for the heartfelt compassion and care they provided during his final days. Predeceased by his sisters-in-law, Lucille Phippen and Carol Simonds; brother-in-law, Bud Peglow and son-in-law, Bill Chambers. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Doris; children, Patricia (Ken) Connor, Barbara Ernisse, Bonnie (Bruce) Dalious, and David (Cathy); grandchildren, Kristen (David) Klink, Chad (April) Ernisse, Katie (Jason) Polcyn, Corey (Kristen) Ernisse, Hannah Connor (Brandon) Hector, Karla Dalious, Amanda Chambers, Kyra Ernisse, Kayla Ernisse; great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Marsh, Bennet and Davey Ernisse, Jackson Hector; sister-in-law, Nancy Peglow; brother-in-law, James Simonds; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Family and friends are invited to Jack’s Memorial Service on Friday, February 7th at 2pm in the chapel at St. John’s Home, 150 Highland Ave. Rochester, NY 14620. In lieu of flowers, please call or visit an old friend.