Ernest B. Tristano

Ernest B. Tristano, 93, of Dover died Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Union Hospital.

Born July 9, 1921 in New Philadelphia he was a son of the late Ben and Rose Gaffoli Tristano. Ernest was also preceded in death by a son, Donald Tristano; four brothers and five sisters.

Ernest retired from Gradall as a maintenance worker and had also been employed with the Tuscarawas County Road and Bridge Department and ODOT.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dover American Legion, Tuscarawas County DAV and the K of C. Ernest proudly served his country with the United States Army having fought in the Normandy invasion with the First army Division of the 83rd Infantry of Ohio under the command of General Omar Bradley. But his greatest passion was golf; he started as a caddy at Union Country Club when he was 9. He earned his nickname "Half Pint" for his small size, but that didn't keep him from carrying golf bags as big as he was for 18 holes. By the age of 19, he was the best golfer residing in Tuscarawas County, only losing a close match in the County Championship to a 35 year old man from out of the area. He also loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Ernest is survived by his children, Ernest (Susan) Tristano of New Philadelphia and Ron (Patricia) Tristano of Barberton; daughter in law, Sandy Taylor of Dover; brothers, Louis, Jim and Dick; sister, Shirley Contini; 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 10:30 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends can call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover on Tuesday from 9:30 10:15 am. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Ernest may do so by visiting the on line obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to Community Hospice.