Ernest Michael Vendegna

In Loving Memory of Ernest Michael Vendegna
1950-2023
72 Years


Ernest Michael Vendegna was born in 1950, to loving parents Clementine and Ernest Vendegna Sr., in Denver, Colorado. Unfortunately, his life was cut short in January by a hemorrhagic stroke.
Ernie is survived by his cherished wife Gerrie, adoring daughters Crystal, April, Anna, and Angela, and his dear, younger brother Michael Vendegna. A devoted grandfather, Ernie is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Ernie did not just live life-he attacked it fearlessly, obtaining work at a young age to help his parents during tough economic times. Despite many competing obligations, he graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and quickly put his hard-won degree to work for him. Ernie began his life's career working at Pepsi Co., as a route driver. He then worked his way up the corporate ladder into the executive offices where he created his own Pepsi flavors among other major contributions to the company. It was well known in the Vendegna household, only Pepsi products were to be bought!
Ernie was passionate about raising rabbits, gardening, reading, and traveling. He experienced remarkable success showing the hundreds of rabbits he raised--we daughters can attest to that by the numerous trophies we had to dust! He took immense pride in his properties over the years, maintaining the grounds with the precision of an expert gardener. He cultivated beautiful flowers, vegetables, and herb gardens, attending to them diligently, never disturbed by the large number of bees attracted.
He loved all types of music and dancing. He took lessons to learn different styles-ballroom, country, and salsa. On the dance floor is where Ernie's and Gerrie's love story began, with Gerrie boldly asking "Hey baby, want to dance?" by Ernie's telling.
Always on the go-even in retirement-Ernie enjoyed traveling with his loving wife, Gerrie. They traveled extensively overseas and within the United States. Some of his favorite destinations were Italy, New Zealand, Greece, and China. They would walk for miles each day sightseeing; both running circles around most people. Being outside and in the sunshine was his favorite place to be.
Ernie had great ingenuity and he did not believe in wasting anything. Nothing was thrown away that couldn't be creatively repurposed with duct tape, shoelaces, or caulk. There was not a household repair job that he couldn't tackle.
Although Ernie's hands never sat idle, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was a priority for him. He greatly enjoyed the track meets, soccer and volleyball games, school choir and band concerts, 4H fairs and state competitions, high school, college and military graduations, concerts put on by his grandson, shopping spree outings with his granddaughters, eggnog Oreo parties, Ziggy's coffee meetups, and so much more. We are all so thankful for the cherished memories Ernie has given us.
Ernie was driven and loyal with a fierce determination and perseverance that inspired everyone who was blessed to know him. He viewed obstacles as a challenge to be conquered, a great mountain to be climbed. There was no task too great for him to handle. He faced every trial with undeniable courage and handled difficult circumstances with such diplomacy and forethought. He carried himself with great dignity and an esteemed demeanor, something we all admired.
Throughout his life, Ernie never ceased giving in any way he could to all of us around him. Even in his own times of crisis, he would always ask what he could do for everyone else. Ernie had his own special brand of humor, full of sarcasm and wit. He was known for cracking jokes in tough situations to help us all keep our chins up. He was everyone's voice of reason and our pillar of strength.
We will greatly miss Ernie's deep devotion and love, his laughter and smile, his creative and hilarious birthday and holiday poems, and his unique ability to make this crazy world around us make sense.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate to your favorite charity.
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