Ernest "Ernie" Camerota

      Ernest Joseph Camerota, 79, passed away on February 29, 2024 at his home in Minoa, NY. He was born in Syracuse to Joseph and Lorraine Camerota on November 8, 1944.  

      Ernie graduated from St. John the Evangelist High School and went on to pursue his passion for music at Syracuse University, where he earned his Bachelor degree in Music Composition and Piano with a minor in Organ.  Music was his life’s work.  His musical talents were noticed at a very early age as he sang on the radio at the age of two and traveled the country performing on the Horace Height TV show (at 3-7 year of age) with our parents by his side on guitar and accordion.  He lived for several years in NYC working for ASCAP.  He taught Chorus and Music Theory at Bishop Grimes High School.  He was a member of the American Guild of Organists.

     God gifted Ernie with an incredible musical talent. Having perfect pitch and the ability to hear a song just once and be able to sit at the piano and play it was just a sampling of his skills.  He could also listen to an arrangement or orchestration and accurately write out all of the parts.  He served as organist and choir director at several churches; but has spent the last nearly 40 years proudly as Director of Music at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Dewitt, NY.  Over the years, Ernie developed and directed a Folk Choir, Children’s Choir (for which he wrote many musical pieces) as well as the full Sunday Choir.  He earned the love and respect of the entire Holy Cross community.

     Predeceased by his parents, Ernie is survived by his sister, Maurita Marley and husband Michael and brother Eugene Camerota and wife Laurie; along with several nieces and nephews.

     Calling hours will be on Thursday March 7 from 9:30-11:00am at Holy Cross Church 4112 E Genesee St. Dewitt.  Mass to honor Ernie’s life will be held at 11:00 followed by a reception in Yeazel Hall.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Music Ministry of Holy Cross Church Dewitt.