Ernest 'Ernie' F. Barbuti

Ernest F Barbuti of New Fairfield, CT, died peacefully with his wife at his side, on February 26, 2023 at the age of 87.

Ernie, as he liked to be called, was born September 14, 1935 in Springfield, MA to the late Ernest and Rose Barbuti.  Ernie honorably served in the US Airforce and continued on to graduate from UMASS with a BA in mathematics.  He then began working as a math teacher in Stafford Spring, CT where he met the love of his life, Judy L Zele.  The two were married for 57 years at the time of his passing.  Together they raised their 2 daughters, spending countless summers vacationing on the Cape.

Ernie worked as a systems programmer for The Travelers and then IBM, before his retirement but that  didn’t stop him from assisting many companies as a subcontractor after he hung up his corporate hat.

“Big Ern”, as he was referred to by many, was not only a skilled mathematician, but a storyteller and prankster, always keeping you on your toes or in stitches.  Above all he was a great cook, teaching his wife and daughters the family recipes.  He also loved to share those recipes with others, and at the time of his passing, he was working on his second cookbook.

“Big Ern” was an avid NY Yankees fan, something that he was constantly ridiculed for, having been born in MA.  He also loved collecting and shooting his rifles and guns, enjoying a good beer and Italian cold cuts. 

He and Judy enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and weekend trips to visit with family or friends.

Besides his wife Judy, Ernie is survived by his daughters, Lisa A Barbuti-Roberts and her husband John of Waterbury, CT and Lara A Barbuti and her partner Jim of Houston, TX.  Ernie also leaves a brother Bernie and his wife Kathy of Palm Desert, CA, as well as several cousins and many dear friends.

A  celebration of Life will be held on April 22, 2023 beginning at 1pm with a service beginning at 1:30pm.  If you would like to remember Ernie, please do so by telling a joke or cooking a great meal and sharing it with your loved ones.  

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