Ernest W. Desrochers, 96, of Greenville, S.C.

GREENVILLE, S.C. » Ernest W. Desrochers, 96, husband of the late Irene R. Desrochers, passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2017.

Ernie was born in Derry, N.H., to Wilfred and Eugenie Desrochers on Sept. 16, 1921. He was raised in Amesbury, Mass., where he attended St. Joseph’s School and Amesbury High School. After graduation, he went to Lowell Technical Institute to study engineering while also working for Towle Silversmiths. Ernie served in WWII in Europe under General George Patton. At Christmas 1944, he joined the Third Army in the relief of Bastogne and later fought through Germany ending the war in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He spent an additional year in Munich in the Army of Occupation. Returning to Amesbury, he married his sweetheart, Irene Riopel, and they had two children, David and Laureen. In 1955, the family moved to Upstate New York where Ernie spent 30 years working as an engineer for Oneida Ltd. Silversmiths. During that time Oneida sent him to Northern Ireland to work at the Bangor plant. Ernie was an enthusiastic gardener, gifted wood worker and silversmith. After retirement, Ernie and Irene moved to Greenville, S.C. where they lived at Rolling Green Village. Irene preceded him in death in October 2002.

Ernie is survived by his children, grandchildren (Martine Rawlings, Christopher Rawlings, Danielle Desrochers, MD and Max Desrochers), his sister, Doris Boucher, and sister-inlaw, Shirley Desrochers. A private graveside service will be held in Amesbury at a later date.

Ernie was well-liked wherever he went and had many friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown