Ernest J. Sleath Jr., 78, of Middletown, Connecticut died peacefully at Middlesex Hospital in the early morning of August 28, 2021.
Ernie was born in New Britain, Connecticut on September 21, 1942, to Ernest James Sleath Sr and Amy Chapman. Ernie grew up in Durham, Connecticut where he graduated from Durham High, School and later attended Gettysburg College. Ernie is survived by his daughter Betsy Sleath and her husband Michael of North Carolina, son Jamie Sleath and his wife Lisa of Cromwell, Connecticut, and son Toby Sleath and his wife Lauren of Clinton, New Jersey; one grandchild, Margaret Sleath Adams; two brothers, John Sleath, and Rowland Sleath and his wife Nancy; his former wife and good friend Margaret Sleath; and many nieces and nephews.
Ernie’s passions were music, animals, and a good meal. As a youth Ernie sang, played the violin and piano, and throughout his adult life sang in various community choirs. Ernie also had a lifelong love of animals, having worked on farms and being a member of the 4-H as a youth, showing animals at the Durham Fair, showing dogs in competitions, and having many beloved pets over the years.
Per Ernie’s wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the 4-H at: Middlesex County 4-H Advisory Committee, 1066 Saybrook Road, Box 70, Haddam, CT 06438 (memo in memory of Ernest Sleath).
