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Joseph Norman Ernst, 93, born in Buffalo, NY, predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Janie (Etheridge) Ernst of Manteo, NC. Survived by his daughters, Jill (Eric) Fickbohm of Owego, NY and Jaye (Jim) Massecar of Nags Head, NC.  One of 11 children born to Magdalen (Stetter) Ernst and Joseph N Ernst. Survived by 3 remaining siblings, Mary (Ray) Hubert, John (Sheila) Ernst and Tony (Donna) Ernst. Joseph was employed by Ashland Oil in Buffalo, then Kodak as an Instrumentation Instructor in Rochester. Joseph is survived by two grandchildren, Justin (Michelle) Massecar and Jaimee (David) Barker and 8 great-grandchildren, Emma, Kate & Rowan Massecar and Nora, Callie, Addison, Benjamin & Harrison Barker.

Joseph served his country proudly as a member of the Coast Guard, stationed in Nags Head, NC. He was an expert photographer, winning many prizes for photos entered in the Kodak Camera Club competitions. He was a talented woodcarver and President of the ToyMakers of East Lake/Palm Harbor, Florida, a non-profit group known for spreading joy around the world with thousands of handmade toys.

In lieu of flowers, Joseph’s family ask you make a donation of any amount to the ToyMakers of Pasco County, www.thetoymakers.org or mail a check to ToyMakers, 4816 Fort Peck Road, New Port Richey, FL 34655.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624.

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