Ernest Joseph “E.T.” Tignor, 69, of Gardner, died peacefully Thursday, June 1, 2017 in St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Worcester, following a brief illness.
Born in Gardner on March 23, 1948, he was the son of the late Ernie and Florence (Ducharme) Tignor.
Ernest graduated From Gardner High School with the Class of 1966. He received his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Mount Wachusett Community College of Gardner, and became a certified gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America.
Ernest was a jeweler for many years at Shreve, Crump and Low Jewelers of Boston, and formerly at Sharfmans Jewelers of Worcester and Stanley’s Jewelry Store of Gardner. He was also member of the City of Gardner Fire Department for a brief time.
He was a United States Vietnam War Air Force Veteran and received the National Defense Service Medal.
Ernest was a member of the American Legion Post 129 of Gardner.
He enjoyed watching movies and listening to music. Ernest loved spending the summers with his wife at their camp in Sea Vu Campground, Wells, Maine. He also loved sports and was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. Ernest treasured spending time with his grandchildren.
He leaves his wife of 45 years, Thalia Niki (Katsouris) Tignor of Gardner; one daughter, Niki Melissa Duplacy of Gardner; one brother, George Tignor and his wife Donna Lee of Winchendon; one sister, June Mascitti and her husband Renato of Gardner; two grandchildren, Connor and Riley Duplacy; two aunts, Shirley Jennings and Diana Holt; one uncle, Ronald Jennings; nieces and nephews, Chrissy Tignor, Stefanie Tignor, Kris White, Scott White and Michelle Mascitti; several cousins; and his many, many friends at Sea Vu Campground.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner.
Burial will be held at a later date in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.