Ernest R. Poirier

Waltham – Mr. Ernest R. Poirier, of Waltham, died Wednesday, February 4, 2015 in his home surrounded by family. He was 83.

Ernie was born in Rumford, Maine on July 22, 1931, a son of the late Nicholas and Diana (Poulin) Poirier. He was raised and educated in Rumford and after high school joined the United States Army during the Korean War.

Trained as a medic Ernie served as a sergeant with the 3d Infantry Division's medical unit and was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic action during the week of April 7 to 14, 1953 when he cared for wounded and injured soldiers with relentless determination around the clock during combat operations.

Following his discharge from the service Ernie went back to school and graduated from Maine Vocational Technical Institute.

In 1957 he moved to Waltham and on June 2, 1962 he married Waltham native Elizabeth M. Landry in St. Joseph's Church. The couple remained in Waltham where they were longtime members of Saint Joseph's Parish and later became parishioners at Saint Jude Church in Waltham.

Trained as a tool and dye maker, Ernie worked hard to provide for his growing family. Following his retirement in 1999 from the Raytheon Company he enjoyed many happy days on the golf course. Ernie was a longtime member of the French-American Victory Club and also belonged to the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156, both in Waltham.

In addition to his beloved wife of more than fifty-two years, Elizabeth, he leaves his children, Elaine J. Kerr and her husband, John, of Chelmsford, Peter J. Poirier, Sr., and his wife, Barbara, of Burlington, Matthew J. Poirier and his wife, Pamela, of Peabody, Ann J. Pye and her husband, Richard, of Burlington and Christine J. Masterson, and her husband, Mark, of Chelmsford; his grandchildren, Evan and Brandon Kerr, Peter, Stephanie and Heather Poirier, Kevin Jenkins, Michelle and Mellissa Poirier, Michael and Nicholas Pye and Sidney and Madalyn Masterson; his brothers and sister, Joseph Poirier of Dalton and Leon Poirier and Yvette Gallant both of Rumford, Maine and many nieces and nephews.

Ernie was also a brother of the late Anthony Poirier, Edgar Poirier and Yvonne Gallant.

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 Wednesday, February 11th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453 ; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or to Asera Care Hospice, 40 Washington Street, Suite 100, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.