Memorial next Saturday for ‘Hank’ Ercolini, 1923-2014

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Family and friends will gather this Saturday to celebrate the life of Henry “Hank” Matthew Ercolini, born October 8, 1923 in Seattle, died August 28, 2014 in Salem, Oregon, with many years in West Seattle along the way. Here’s the remembrance we were asked to share:

Hank was the oldest of the 3 boys of Joe and Julia Ercolini, a husband to Gertrude “Gertie” Ercolini for 65 years, a father of 4, father-in-law, devoted grandfather (Pop) and great-grandfather, an uncle, cousin, a devoted friend, a 1941 West Seattle High School graduate, a WWII Marine veteran, a 1948 Willamette University graduate, a math & history teacher, coach, junior high principal, referee, a world traveler, a long-time member of Queen of Peace church, a Beaver and Bearcat fan, a cribbage teacher, a landscaper by hobby, an avid golfer, a Meals on Wheels delivery boy, a favorite neighbor, a Susan G. Komen supporter, and a great friend to many.

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the joy he shared with everyone who knew him. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by three of his children and their spouses: Joan Ercolini (Bend, OR), Lisa & Rod Noteboom (Moses Lake, WA), Steve & Betsy Ercolini (Seattle); his four grandchildren: Tom Watson and wife Jodie, Anne Watson, Angela Fernandez and husband Paul, and Daniel Noteboom; his great grandsons Eamon Watson and Eli Fernandez; and Tom and Anne’s father Steve Watson. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Julia Ercolini, his brothers Edward and James Ercolini, his first daughter Julie Watson, and his wife Gertie.

A celebration of Hank’s life will be held at Capital Manor (in Salem, OR), Saturday, September 20th, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Mike September 15, 2014 (7:47 pm)

To the Ercolini family, sorry for your loss. The park with your family name is appreciated. Maybe something can be placed there in his memory?

miws September 15, 2014 (8:21 pm)

Condolences to Mr. Ercolini’s family and friends…

Mike

Shellie September 16, 2014 (7:53 am)

We certainly appreciate the family’s generosity with the land for Ercolini Park. Condolences to the family.

Ed S. September 17, 2014 (12:46 pm)

I get to see my grandson once a week. We make sure to go to Ercolini Park every time he is here. What a great gift the family made and it is wonderful how it is kept with all the donated toys.

Dis September 17, 2014 (1:31 pm)

The Ercolini property was purchased by the city from the family, it was not a donation. Just to be clear. Condolences to the family of Mr. Ercolini, I am sure he was a fine man.

4thGenWestSide September 17, 2014 (4:29 pm)

We could all aspire to a life as well lived as Mr. Ercolini lived his. The Eroclini family had many many offers that were considerably higher than what the city paid for it from developers. Thankfully, they thought of the community. Regardless of the fact that they sold it, I still feel they “donated” it to our community. It could EASILY be a row of crappy town homes.

Steve Ercolini September 19, 2014 (7:38 am)

Thanks 4thGenWestSide! What you said is correct. My family sold the property to the city for WAY less than what many developers offered. My Uncle wanted the land to be used as a park for future generations and not developed into “row houses” which he despised. Thanks for all the kind words to all!

Steve Ercolini

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