Ernest Norton Herrick Jr.

Ernest N. Herrick, Jr. 82, of Storrs, CT passed away peacefully in Mansfield, Connecticut on Thursday, January 20, 2022. He was born in Willimantic, CT on March 7, 1939, the son of the late Ernest Herrick Sr. and Ella Ruth Herrick.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 61 years Elsie (Loomis) Herrick of Storrs, daughter Candace (Chamberlain) Nadeau and son in-law Philip Nadeau of Chicopee MA, granddaughter Lynda Best and grandson in- law Ryan Best of Middletown CT. Ernie also leaves behind his brother William Herrick of West Columbia, South Carolina, and his special sister-in-law Sharon Loomis as well as many nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his son Scott Herrick.

Ernie worked for the State of Connecticut for 37 years, retiring in 1994 as Director of Maintenance for the Department of Transportation. He worked for Close Jensen & Miller in Wethersfield from 1995 to 2001. From 1994 to 2008 he was the Executive Secretary of the Connecticut Asphalt & Aggregate Producers Association, and from 2006-2007 he was the Chairperson of the State Asphalt Pavement Association Executives, a national association with members throughout the country.

Ernie was a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard Company B 169 Infantry, the 248 Eng Co. for 8 years, and the Connecticut National Guard Rifle Team.

He was a member of the Willimantic Elks Lodge #1311.  Ernie served as Chaplin for 8 years and was a past member of the Board of Trustees. He volunteered for the Bingo Committee, and enjoyed his time with his bingo friends immensely.

Ernie was extremely dedicated to the fire department in Mansfield for 65 years. He first joined the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Co. at the age of 16 and then the Eagleville Fire Department in January 1961. He held officer positions from Lieutenant to Assistant Chief, and served many years as a Training Officer. He was a Fire Service Instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy, Emergency Medical Tech Instructor for the Connecticut State Health Department, and was presented with the Training Officer Award in 1980 by the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association. Ernie served as President for the Windham & Tolland County Firemen’s Association, Tolland Country Mutual Aid Fire Service, and served as both the President and a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut State Firefighters Association. Ernie was appointed by Governor William O’Neil to be a member of the state’s blue ribbon task force;  writing the rescue regulations for the State of Connecticut. He also sat on the 911 commission for 32 years, six of which he served as Chairperson.  Ernie was appointed as honorary Chairman of the Firefighters/EMS Mass in 1996. He became a member of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame on April 9, 2009.

Along with his committee work, Ernie was instrumental in the development, funding, and building of the Connecticut State Firefighters Memorial in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. He served as chairperson for the Connecticut State Firefighters Association Memorial Committee until his retirement in 2019.

Ernie’s favorite pastime was playing golf. Even when the weather was not perfect, he could be found out on the course. He also enjoyed salt water fishing, watching UConn women’s basketball, and the New England Patriots Football. Ernie took pride in all of his life accomplishments, but he will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, firefighter, and friend.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care and compassion. Also, a special thanks to his friends at Hartford Hospital LVAD Clinic for all of their support.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 4-7 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernie’s name may be made to the Connecticut State Firefighters Memorial Fund (34 Perimeter Road, Windsor CT 06096), the Mansfield Fire Department (4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs CT 06268), or Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (100 Warren Circle, Storrs CT 06268). 

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