Ernest (Ernie) D. Demarais, 89, of N. Utica passed away at home on Thursday, May 26, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Ernie was born on May 23rd, 1927 in New York City a son of the late Desire and Clara (Naegele) Demarais. He received his education in the Utica Schools. Ernie enlisted in the United States Navy serving during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1945. Ernie had worked at Griffiss Air Force Base before entering into the service, and after his discharge he immediately returned to Griffiss Air Force Base for a 36 year career there. Ernie was initially employed as an aircraft mechanic, but through his hard work, determination, and completion of several government offered courses through Ohio State University, ended his career as a management analyst assigned to the SAC Management Engineering team specializing in, and responsible for, all of the manpower affairs generated within the SAC Wing, Air Base Group, and Base Hospital at Griffiss Air Force Base. Ernie retired in 1980.On May 7th, 1949, Ernie married Ferdinanda (Ferdy) A. Ciccone at St. Anthony's Church in Utica. Ernie and Ferdy enjoyed 67 years of marriage, a loving relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. They were inseparable, loved the same things, and did everything together. Ernie instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of good work ethics, high morals, and always doing the right thing. He was a man of deep faith, and much wisdom that he was always willing to impart. He will be missed by all who loved him. Ernie was a member of the American Legion Post #229, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, but was most proud of his membership at the North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center where he volunteered countless hours on all the center's major fundraisers. Ernie also enjoyed playing poker, scrabble and doing crossword puzzles. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Ferdy, his daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Mark McClusky of Utica, his son and daughter-in-law, Ernest A. and Barbara DeMarais, VA, four cherished grandchildren, and their spouses, Eric and Mary McClusky, Cicero, NY, Brian McClusky, Utica, Michael DeMarais, VA and Daniel DeMarais, VA, four great grandchildren, Liliana Klemanski, Aubrianna McClusky, Sofia McClusky and expecting the arrival of his newest great grandchild, Lena Grace McClusky, three sisters, Rita Hoffman, Clark Mills, Dorothy Rouillier, Clark Mills and Lorraine Coreno, AL, a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Peg Desmarais, FL in-laws, Teresa Pecorello, Utica and Ed Berkowicz, Marcy and many nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by two sisters, Clara Berkowicz and Diane Davies and a brother, Albert Demarais. Mr. Demarais' funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 10:30 from St. Peter's Church in North Utica. The family will greet people at the conclusion of the Mass. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Those so wishing may make donations to the North Utica Senior Center in Ernie's memory. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to family friend and nurse Kelly Studer and the staff of Hospice for all the loving care they gave to Ernie. Arrangements are by the Heintz Funeral Service Inc. On line messages may be made at Heintzfuneralservice.net Remember always-"You never make yourself look good by making someone else look bad. You make yourself look good, by being good. So be good!"