Obituary of Ernest Richard Harrity

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ernest Harrity announced the passing of a wonderful partner, father, and grandfather. Ernest passed away on November 28, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 26, 1955, in Saint John, he was the son of the late William Patrick Harrity and Ann Sarah Theresa (Richard) Harrity.

Ernest will be sadly missed and is survived by his wife of 49 years Helen (Stewart) Harrity, daughter Carrie Smith (Jason), son Christopher Harrity (Sherri), grandchild Lily Harrity, along with his sisters Joanne Harrity, Kate Harrity (Bruce), Debbie Stanton (Glenn) and Patricia Cox (Robert), brother Bill Harrity (Val), brother-in-law’s Stephen Stewart (Debbie), Ronnie Stewart (Susan), Billy McHarg (Janette), Pat Burchill sister-in-law Susan Stewart, his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Aside from his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Martina (Harrity) McHarg, sister-in-law Karen (Stewart) Burchill, nephews Ryan Little, Carey Cox and Kyle Harrity, and niece Shyla Wright.

Ernest grew up in the Grove and started his working career at Kwik-Pic where he worked for 10 years. Ernest moved into a new career at Canron (now IPEX) where he worked for 36 years. During this time, he also went back to school to complete his GED.

Ernest was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who had a great sense of humour whether it was cracking the worst dad joke ever, or playing along with whatever shenanigans his family and friends could cook up. He loved to travel, especially to the south where he could spend hours floating in the warm saltwater sipping rum and diet coke.

He also had great insight into the challenges life could throw at you and was always there to listen and offer advice. Ernest was always there to help and stood firm in the face of adversity to protect those who needed it the most. He also gave back to the community, volunteering for festivals like the Tall Ships or Memorial Cup and programs like Operation Red Nose.

His family would like to thank the Palliative Care Team for their excellent care during his last few months. We will be forever grateful.

Visitation will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John on Saturday December, 2, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Sunday December 3, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home on Monday December 4, 2023, at 11:00 am followed by an on-site reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernest’s memory may be made to Bobby’s Hospice, Romero House, and Hestia House.