OPEWELL JUNCTION - Ernest F. Burchetta, Jr., 85, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 2001 and formerly of Peekskill, died on May 5, 2013 at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center.
Born in Peekskill on June 14, 1927, he was the son of the late Ernest and Joan (Delagrange) Burchetta, Sr. He proudly served our country in the US Navy during WW II. On April 17, 1973, Ernest married Betty Paglia. Mrs. Burchetta remains at home.
He owned and operated Burchetta Tree Service in Peekskill for many years. Ernest was a third generation Peekskill resident who enjoyed metal detecting and prospecting, and was a member of the East Coast Research and Discovery Association. An avid hiker and climber, he spent a lot of time outdoors. He was a skilled swimmer and life guard who especially loved to high dive.
In addition to his loving wife of over 40 years, Ernest is survived by his children, Bret Burchetta and Cindy Burchetta, both of Hopewell Junction, and Michelle Burchetta; and his sister, Joan Miller.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 am at the funeral home followed by entombment at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, with military honors.
For driving directions or online condolences, please visit Ernest's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.