Ernest F. Musterait, Sr.

WESTFIELD – Ernest F. Musterait Sr. of Westfield passed away peacefully Thursday evening May 16, 2013 at the Genesis Healthcare Westfield Center. Mr. Musterait was born on February 9, 1916, he was the second of four sons of the late Louis and Julia (Wolfe) Musterait.

Ernest lived a full life traveling throughout much of the world as part of his occupation. He was married to the former Anne E, Kittel of Woronoco, MA who passed away in December of 1998. Ernest attended schools in Westfield. At the Green District School he learned the trade of Machinist. He worked for a number of firms in the greater Springfield and Hartford area. Pratt Whitney, Colt Arms, Van Norman Industries and Bryant Machine. While at Bryant he began his traveling to client sites installing large ball bearing race machinery. His occupation required him to travel to England, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, South Korea, Canada as well many states in the US especially California and Ohio when he loved to visit with his brother-in-law who lived there. He once told me that one of his favorite spots was Bologna, Italy.

Ernest was an outdoors person who loved his bird dogs. When he was younger one could always find him pheasant hunting in cover around Westfield, Southwick, Northampton or South Hadley. He also enjoyed spring trout fishing in the Berkshire lakes. Once he retired he became more involved with his church in Westfield. St. John’s Lutheran Church where he was an elder for a number of years and Church Counsel President. He was a simple man with a strong commitment to family and his church.

Mr. Musterait was predeceased by his three brothers; Edwin, Richard and Frederick. Surviving family members include his two sons, Ernest F. Musterait Jr. and his wife Dee who lived with him and cared for him for years and Ronald R. Musterait of Andover, Ma and his wife Peggy formally Peggy Kriesak of Westfield. Ernest has five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 60 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. 01085. Calling hours will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on May 21 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m.

Donations in Ernest’s memory may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to St. Johns Cemetery Association, 60 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
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