Ernest L. Boda

Ernest L. Boda, 88, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in Ithaca, N.Y. He was born December 20, 1934, in Ithaca, NY to the late Willard and Barbara Boda. He was a graduate of Ithaca High School Class of 1953. He attended Nyack College and graduated from Cornell University. He had many different jobs throughout his life, retiring from ITT Semiconductors in 2000.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, and his six children from his former marriage to the late Joan Palese: Jody (Eric) Ford, Ernest (Jessie) Boda, Jr., Theresa (Ted) Borowski, Stephen (Robin) Boda, Jamie (Stephanie) Boda, and Pamela (Bill) Wilson, and his stepdaughter Jessica (Martin) Romero. He had 35 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Rex Boda. He is survived by his six siblings: Joy (the late Ed) Hall, Judy (Jeff) Spurling, Daisy (Bob) Wallace, Fred (Linda) Boda, Dottie (the late Steve) Rice, Dollie (Mike) LeJeune, and many nieces and nephews.

Ernie wrestled for Ithaca High School and Cornell University and was a huge wrestling fan throughout his life, buying season tickets to Cornell Wrestling each year. He loved gardening and planting both vegetable gardens and beautiful flower beds. He was a voracious reader, a bird watcher, and King of Jigsaw Puzzles.

Ernie was a lifelong member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination in CT, MA, and NY where he was a soloist, sang in choirs, and served as an elder and deacon.

Thank you to all who have offered encouragement through cards, flowers, and messages. Thank you to the medical staff at Guthrie and Cayuga Medical Center who provided care the past few weeks. A special thank you to Dr. Ruth Crepet for her care and concern over the years.

A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, N.Y. with Rev. Skip Fields officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alliance GCF, One Alliance Place, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3563.