John J. Ernst, Sr., age 79, a resident of Pasadena for 50 years, and formerly of Baltimore, died on April 8, 2014 at his home after a three year illness.

He was born on December 6, 1934, in Baltimore, to the late Nellie Elizabeth and Austin Alfred Ernst, Sr. After graduating from Calvert Hall High School in 1953, he continued his studies at Hopkins, then the Peabody Institute of Music, studying guitar under Master Manuel Barrucco. He served in the United States Air Force from 1957 until 1958, then worked as a machinist for Western Electric until 1987. A lover of music, he enjoyed playing for the Baysiders Band as a lead guitarist and singer from 1975 through 1985.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandson Brandon Davis; and his four brothers: William, Joseph, and Austin Ernst, and Fr. Francis Ernst, S.J.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years: Deborah M. Ernst (nee Beatty); three daughters: Karen Smith and her husband Rick, of Seabrook, Texas, Denise Oakley and her husband Gordon, of Pasadena, and Elizabeth Streeb and her husband Shane, of Frederick; his son John J. Ernst, Jr., of Pasadena; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Family invites friends to visit at the Gregory J. Gonce Funeral Home, PA, 169 Riviera Drive, Pasadena, on Saturday from 3 to 7 PM. His funeral service will be held immediately following at 7 PM. His burial will take place, with military honors, on Tuesday at 2:30 PM in Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Crownsville, and feel free to express your condolences here as well.