Joseph E. "Ernie" Bernice, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening March 14, 2023, in Trumbull Regional Medical Center.

Ernie was born Jan. 15, 1939, in Youngstown, the son of Joseph W. and Irene (Habeger) Bernice.

He was a 1956 graduate of Chaney High School and would go on to graduate from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in education and receive his master's degree from the University of Florida.

He served as a professor for 27 years in the Environmental Biology and Life Science Department of Edinboro University, retiring in 1993.

During his time at Edinboro he had been chairman of the Biology Department and following his retirement he was awarded his honorary doctorate degree for his dedicated service.

Ernie was a passionate outdoorsman who enjoyed all aspects of hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Conservation Club.

Following his retirement, he also had served as a waterways patrolman for the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission and as a ranger for the Shenango River Reservoir.

He enjoyed spending time as the former scoutmaster of Mahoning Valley Troop 45, and he served as the program director for the BSA summer camp at Camp Twin Spruce in Columbiana County, Ohio.

Ernie had also been a member of the Penn-Ohio Singers, where he was honored as their 2014 Barbershopper of the Year.

Ernie was a longtime devoted member of the Oakland Avenue United Methodist Church of Sharon for many years.

He was a member of the Shenango Valley Lodge 810 Free and Accepted Masons, where he had served as Worshipful Master during 1997, 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

He was also active with the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite New Castle Consistory, Zem Zem Shrine in Erie and the Mercer County Shrine Club.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Janet M. Wilhide, whom he married on April 2, 1966; his children, Daniel Bernice and his wife Tessa of Hermitage; and Patricia Andrews of Greensboro, N.C.; a sister, Marylin Ruth Gill of Pulaski, Tenn.; seven grandchildren, Destiny Andrews, Joan Marie Andrews, Jocelyn Beabout and her husband Josh, Cameron Bernice, Kaden Bernice, Coltin Bernice and Aidan Boosel; and great-grandchildren, Samuel Malachi Ramos, Beckley, Brinley and Boone Beabout.

He was preceded in death by parents.

BERNICE

Joseph E. "Ernie," 84, of Hermitage.

Calling hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday (3-19-23) at SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 555 E. State St., Sharon. Masonic services will be held at 3 p.m.

Friends are invited to express their condolences and share their memories with Ernie's family by visiting www.sampleodonnellfh.com

Funeral: 11 a.m. Monday (3-20-23) in the funeral home with the Rev. Kelley Schanely officiating.

Burial: Home Cemetery, Youngstown.