MSgt. Ernest Donofrio, Sr. of Enola, passed away at Vibra Life Nursing Home, Mechanicsburg, PA on February 3, 2017. He was the son of the late Carmine and Mary Donofrio. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Geneva Blanteno Donofrio; 2 brothers, Danny and Walter; and a sister, Angeline Brogna. He is survived by a son Ernest Jr., and his wife Diana; 2 grandchildren, Shawn and Shannon; 4 great grandchildren; and 3 step great-grandchildren.
Ernest served in WWll and Korea and joined the Army in 1940, serving with the 1st Infantry Division, 26th Infantry Regiment at Plattsburgh Barracks, NY. In August 1942, he arrived at Tidworth Barracks, England.
In 1942, he was in the invasion of North Africa. In 1943 he took part in the landing of Gela, Sicily. On June 6, 1944, he participated in the D Day landing at Normandy’s Omaha Beach. He was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. He received 8 Battle Stars in the European Theater Operation: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, and Silver Star Second Award. He was assigned to Japan, August 1950 and took part in the Invasion of Inchon, South Korea serving with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion.
He received 5 Battle Stars and the Korean Service Ribbon. He was very proud to serve his country. After retiring from the military, he managed the Carlisle Barracks Commissary. He and Geneva enjoyed traveling, Bingo and the Casino.
Services will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 10AM-11AM at Sullivan Funeral Home 51 N. Enola Dr. Enola, PA 17025.
Burial with full military honors will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, Camp Hill.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Donofrio family.