Ernest Walter Szydlo, Sr., 91, of Collinsville, joined his beloved wife Mildred M. (Thomas) Szydlo, Sunday, May 1, 2022 in our Lord's glory from his home and surrounded by his loving family. Ernest was born, in Collinsville on November 16, 1930 son of the late Walter and Dorothy, (Fecto), Szydlo, he was a veteran of the Korean war having served in the U.S. Air Force and a member of VFW Post 296. Ernest, an accomplished Master Carpenter, joined the Fred Burnoli and Sons Co., where his work ethic, skill, and integrity quickly earned Ernest the respect of his employer and the position of Company Construction Superintendent. It was the construction of Canton Recreational Center that proved to be one of the most professionally demanding projects of his career which resulted in him receiving personal special recognition from the Town of Canton. As a member of Saint Patrick's Church Ernest, along with wife Millie, served for many years as Ministers of The Eucharist and matrimonial directors. A man with a heart of gold, an infectious laugh and overwhelming compassion, Dad was always prepared and willing to volunteer himself, his skills, and his children to aid anyone in need, especially area elderly! He found relaxation in reading paperback westerns, duckpin bowling and seasonal deep sea fishing for anything that would bite! Family was everything, so the annual River Rat on the Farmington clambake was the highlight of his family's year. All who knew him were well aware of his vivacious sweet tooth, loved ice cream and could not resist any fresh morning pastry. Ernest was a devoted husband, father, and son of Collinsville, laying down a legacy filled with humble service and blessing unto others!

He is survived by his children, Ernest W. Szydlo, Jr. of Bristol, Thomas Szydlo and his wife Linda of New Britain, Cathy Szydlo of Collinsville, Randal Szydlo and his wife Tearie of Houston, TX, Gail Szydlo of Collinsville and Cherie Osmun and her husband Darrell of Collinsville; his sister-in-law, Betty Albright of New Jersey, his grandchildren, Lee, Jason, Erin, Desiree, Ernest III, James, Joseph, Jacquelyn, Joel, Kirsten, Cord, Jessica, Kyle, Kayla, Kody, and his last granddaughter Jessica, (who graciously provided loving care to her ailing Papa); 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son Gary Szydlo, his brother, Donald Szydlo and a granddaughter, Erin Szydlo. It is with sincere appreciation that our family wants to express our gratitude towards all dad's caregivers; Faithful Gert and his ever-devoted buddy, Jermel who took AWESOME care of his Pop Pop., along with the compassionate hospice staff, RN Scott, PCA Blanca, PCA Jen, and Ethan who provided sweet music of comfort.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 10th at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. closing with a prayer service. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Collinsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 168, Collinsville, CT 06022. Please visit Ernest's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome for online condolences.