Obituary of Ernest J. Kielbasa

Ernest (Ernie) J. Kielbasa

Ernie Kielbasa, 62, of Forest Avenue, Amsterdam, NY passed awaySaturday December 2,2023 after a long illness, with his close friends by his side. 

Born in Amsterdam, on March 19, 1961, he is the son of Matthew and Clara (Wojcik) Kielbasa. He attended Amsterdam Schools and was a lifelong resident of Amsterdam, NY.  He worked in Food Service after his schooling and worked his way up the ranks to become Manager. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own establishment called “Ernie’s Chicken & Ribs.” When his time in Food Service was complete, he went on to work for the City of Amsterdam, Department of Public Works until the time of his passing. Ernie, a devout Catholic, was a parishioner at the former St. John the Baptist Church in Amsterdam, NY. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, hunting, fishing, and camping with his brother Joe and friends. Ernie cherished the memories he created when the whole family would vacation together over the years, Disney and Mackinaw were some of his favorite trips. He had a passion for riding motorcycles and loved all things Harley Davidson.  He enjoyed his time as member of the Amsterdam Elks Lodge No. 101. Ernie had a contagious laugh that could fill the room. You could always count on him to make you smile and inevitably he’d make you belly laugh right along with him. 

Ernie has been reunited in heaven with his parents, Matthew and Clara Kielbasa, and all his brothers John F. Kielbasa, Daniel M. Kielbasa, and Joseph M. Kielbasa.

He leaves behind his best friend and confidant Randy Schimmenti, as well as several close friends who were by his side until the end. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Laurie Kielbasa and his five nieces, Clara (Joe) LaPorte, Jenny (Bryan) Galough, Kristen (James) Nannariello, Elizabeth (John) Schermerhorn and Ann (Curtis) Flach. He also leaves behind nine Great-Nieces and Nephews, Abigail and Sofia LaPorte, Ella and Emily Galough, Olivia, Gabriel and Christian Nannariello, Lukas and Callie Schermerhorn and one more on the way.`

Ernie’s family and friends thank the staff at Bassett Health in Cooperstown, NY for all their attentiveness. The family also appreciates Randy’s support during this time.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday December 11,2023 from 4:00 to 7:00Pm at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY.   The Elks #101  Lodge of Sorrow will be held at 7:00 PM Monday evening at the funeral home.   A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday December 12,2023 at 11:00AM at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 50-52 Cornell St., Amsterdam, NY with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis as celebrant along with Deacon Larry Steiger. Memorial contributions may be made in Ernie’s memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/Memorial-Tribute-to-Ernie-Kielbasa Arrangements are being handled by Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.