Ernest (Ernie) Pustai

Ernest (Ernie) Pustai quietly passed away late in the evening on January 1, 2022 just a few days after his 75th birthday. Although he struggled with his health the last few years it seemed he rarely failed to keep a positive outlook, kindness and care for friends, family, pets, and life in general; he was the best!

Ernie was born and raised in Lorain, a 1967 graduate of Clearview HS, and then went into the US Army where he served in Germany and eventually Vietnam. After his service years he lived in Phoenix where his daughter, a brother, and two sisters, still reside. After many years in Phoenix he came back to Lorain and worked at Ford Motor Co. until he retired. Never one to be idle, Ernie was always pursuing something special like playing one of his seven guitars, studying and doing photography, and reading or watching historical, biographical, science and astronomy books and documentaries.

Ernie frequently visited his sister’s home nearby in Lorain and never passed up an opportunity to get on his knees and indulge in what seemed to be his absolute favorite pastime: thrilling any number of his little grand-nieces and nephews. Never lacking for words, Ernie could spin a detailed story and find amazement on just about any topic, which would lead to more topics, making it easy for anyone to enjoy losing an hour or two on the phone with him.

Ernie is survived by his daughter, Alicia Cathey (Billy); his brother, Karl; and his sisters: Suzanne (Byrd) and Linda

(Martin) all of Phoenix AZ. He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Lisa Hong) his brother, Frank, of Cleveland Heights; and his sister, Kathy (and John Meade) of Lorain, 15 nieces

and nephews as well as many grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Rita; and

his niece, Kim. Ironically, Ernie and his beloved cat of 18 years, Cricket, walked through heaven’s gates together on that windy night of January 11. The world is so much richer today because he was here.

Graveside services and interment of Ernie’s cremated remains are tentatively planned for the summer of this year in Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. To share your memories and condolences with Ernie’s family, please visit

www.gluvna.net.