Ernest C. Cerino
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
October 8, 1930 - March 11, 2026
Ernest “Ernie” Cerino, 95 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Rose Hill Assisted Living, in Robbinsville, after a brief illness.
Born in Central City, Pennsylvania, Ernie lived in the Trenton/Hamilton area of New Jersey for eight decades. He served for four years as an enlisted man in the United States Navy aboard the USS Cavalier and in Yokosuka, Japan. He retired after 36 years from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a Superintendent.
Ernie was an exceedingly faithful member of the St. Anthony’s Parish for 67 years. He worked diligently to support his parish and many other local community endeavors in ways that were seen and often unseen. He was always at the ready to help a friend in need or to lend a hand to a local cause. He was, for many years, active in the Hamilton Township and Mercer County Democratic organizations. He was a devoted public servant, serving on the Hamilton Township Planning and Zoning Boards and served in numerous leadership roles in his community. He was a member of the Baron Athletic Association. In addition, he was member of the Italian American Sportsman Club, the USS Cavalier Association and was affiliated with many local charitable and philanthropic organizations.
He was predeceased by his parents, Santo Cerino and Elizabeth (Muro) Cerino; a brother and three sisters, Christopher Cerino, Genevieve Cerino, Sandra (Cerino) Biriki, and Jean (Cerino) Ryan; a brother-in-law, Charles Ryan, a sister-in-law, Marie Cerino, and his loving wife of 45 years, Ann (Caserta) Cerino. He is survived by a daughter, Linda Cerino, and two sons, Ernest Jr., and his wife, Marie Mascherin; Bruce Cerino and his wife, Lisa; and five grandchildren, Courtney Novak, John Novak and his wife, Danielle, Ryan Cerino, Nicholas Cerino, and Christian Cerino, and a great-grandchild, Stella Novak. In addition, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with extended family throughout greater Trenton, Pittsburgh, and Daytona Beach survive him. First cousins in Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan, and Villa Rosa, Sicily, with whom he holidayed and summered during his retirement years, also survive him.
Ernie asked that family and friends celebrate his exceptional life and not grieve his passing. His family is grateful to the staff and families at Rose Hill Assisted Living in Robbinsville for their professionalism, kindness, and lasting friendships.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday March 16, 2026, 11:00 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 626 South Olden Ave, Trenton.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, 400 Woolsey St., Hamilton.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Homes, Hamilton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ernie’s name to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 72 1/2 Escher St, Trenton, New Jersey 08609, or St. Anthony’s/OLS Church, 3816 East State St. Ext., Mercerville, NJ 08619.
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I remember back in the day, we use to joke around and I would ask him where I am on his sliding scale at times I am at the top and at times slid down.
Dear Uncle Ernie, I will always remember you as one of the kindest, most caring man I ever met and more importantly, your wonderful flair for cooking, especially making red sauce and your great sense of humor. What a wonderful life you led. The World was certainly a better place with you in it! I will remember you forever