Ernesto was born in Cambria, Wyoming in 1925 to Frank and Pautilla Rotellini. He attended Holy Name School and played on the football and basketball teams, graduating in 1939. He attended Sheridan High School and graduated in 1943 and was on both the football and basketball teams. He then entered the University of Wyoming in 1943 and was on the Wyoming Cowboys football team until being  division of the Signal Corp serving in the European theater in the African and Anzio campaigns. While serving, he received the European African Middle Easterng called into World War 2. During the war, he was with the 85th regiment infantry Service Medal, a World War 2 Victory Medal, a good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart. Upon returning from the war, he was employed for Mountain Bell. He married Dolores Ann Bondi on November 26, 1949 and they were married for 63 years until her passing in 2012. During their marriage, they have three children, John Frank, Mary Elizabeth, and William Ernest.

In 1949, he went to work for the Chicago Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) railroad and its successor Burlington Northern. He retired as Chief Clerk after 38 years of service. He was a Board of Director of the Edward D Redle Foundation from its founding until his death. He was a life member of the BPOE Elks Lodge and a life member of the Eagles Lodge 186. He was a life member and Third Degree Knights of Columbus with Phil Sheridan Knight of Columbus. For many years, he was the “Volunteer in Charge” with Tom Aksamit, Pete Wilson, Sam Rotellini and others for the VA Hospital’s Greenhouse Plant and Pie Sale.

He was a co-founder of the Webb Wright Baseball and Babe Ruth Baseball programs bringing organized baseball to Sheridan. He also was a co-founder of the Sheridan Quarterback Club. After the Quarterback Club disbanded, he and his friends founded the Webb Wright Foundation which funds baseball programs in the community. He served on that board from its beginning until just a few years ago serving as President for many years. He also served on the American Legion Baseball Board as a director for several decades. Ernie was a member of the Sheridan Athletic Association for many years till his death.

 He along with Danny Madia and Homer Scott Jr founded the Wyoming – Montana All Star Classic for high School Men and Women’s Basketball and has been in existence for over 40 years. Ernie also worked with Scotty Scott and others to form Little Guy Football. He was on the Kendrick Golf Course Commission and was instrumental in installing the first underground sprinkler system, changing the sand greens to grass greens, and constructing a new club house. He joined the SHS Football Chain Gang in 1946 and was on the field for 69 years. In March 15, 2008 he was named to the Wyoming Football  Hall Of Fame for Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football. He was also a member of Sheridan College’s “baseline mafia” for many years until the basketball program was dismantled. He also served on occasion for Big Horn and Tongue River High School. He and his brothers – Rody and Sam were figures in Sheridan’s bowling leagues for decades.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Frank and Pautilla Rotellini, sister Adelgisa, brothers – Agustino, Angelo (Rody), Anselmo (Sam) and in-laws John and Kitty Bondi.

He is survived by his children – John (Carrie) of Sheridan, Marybeth (Steve) of Ames, Iowa, and Bill (Shanna) of Brush Prairie, Washington along with 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at Kane Funeral Home at 6:30PM followed by a rosary at 7:00PM on Friday, September 27th 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 28th 2024 at 11:00AM at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Glenn Whewell officiating. Internment will take place in the Elks Section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with Military Honors. A reception will immediately take place at the Kane Funeral Home White Tent.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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