Ernest A. Botti

Waltham – Mr. Ernest A. Botti, of Waltham, formerly of Newton, died Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. He was 89.

Ernie was born in Somerville on October 14, 1930, a son of the late Andrea and Grace (Muscolino) Botti, and was raised in Belmont and in Newton.

After graduating from Newton High School he joined the United States Air Force where he served primarily as a radar operator/navigator in two-seater F-94 and F-89 fighter jets, which specialized in flying at night and during rough weather.

During the Korean War he flew missions out of Japan and South Korea with the 339th Fighter Intercept Squadron. Before becoming a radar operator officer, Ernie began his Air Force career as an enlisted aircraft mechanic.

Following his discharge from the service he came home and graduated from the New England Aircraft School. After that he took courses at Northeastern University before enrolling at Boston University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering in 1959.

A Waltham resident since 1992 he had lived most of his life in Newton. He grew up dancing at the Totem Pole Ballroom where he had the coolest job in the place . . . running the spotlight. He also spent many happy afternoons fishing along the banks of the Charles.

With his degree in engineering and background in the space industry he founded a defense engineering consulting firm, Ernst, Armand & Botti, where he continued to work part time even past retirement.

Ernie also had a special gift working with his hands as a skilled carpenter and woodworker . . . and was 'old school' about it . . . always turning, shaping and cutting the wood with hand tools.

He leaves his wife, Marguerite J. 'Rita' (Falco) Botti; his children, Karen M. DiTrapani of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Andrew P. Botti and his wife, Lesa, of Andover, Lisa A. Botti of Belt, Montana and David C. Botti of Queens, New York; his grandchildren, Madeleine and Paul Botti, Petyr, Teryn, Joshua, Gabriel and Daniel Botti-Anderson; his sister, Norma Carnes of Milford and many nieces and nephews.

Ernie was also the husband of the late Anna Maria (DiTrapani) Botti and brother of the late Anna Montone.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ernie's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20) Waltham on Tuesday, November 12th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to TAPS, 3033 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor, Arlington, VA 22201 www.taps.org

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service.