Ernest Squarzini of West Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born on November 19, 1941, in Queens, New York to Joseph Squarzini and Anna Mary (Grosso) Squarzini. He is survived by his wife, Gail Boule; children Ernie Squarzini Jr. and Suzanne Ianni of Ewing, NJ, Michael and Melissa Squarzini of Wappingers Falls, NY, Matthew Squarzini and Catherine Porzio of Midlothian, Virginia, Amanda Cina and Kelsey Skemp of Durham North Carolina; grandchildren Justin (Megan) Squarzini, Summer Kellers, Jared (Julia) Squarzini, Skyler Kellers, Peter Squarzini and Celia Squarzini. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother, Joseph Squarzini Jr.

Ernie graduated Valedictorian from La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, New York in 1959, earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York in 1963 and attended Graduate School at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. He served his country as an Air Force Captain from 1965-1970. After being honorably discharged, he began his thirty-two-year career with IBM in Poughkeepsie and East Fishkill New York.

Upon retiring in 2002, he and Gail moved to Aiken, South Carolina to enjoy warmer weather and year-round golf. Ernie loved to travel, especially to Italy to visit cousins and reconnect with his Italian Heritage. In retirement, he and Gail visited over eighty countries. In between his travels, Ernie volunteered for several non-profit organizations like SCORE and Partners in Friendship, where he served on the board and more than ten years as president.

In 2021, he and Gail moved to the Still Hopes Retirement Community in West Columbia, South Carolina, making new friends while still keeping in touch with old friends. Ernie especially enjoyed La Salle reunions and video chats, along with monthly lunch gatherings in Aiken. Connecting with family and friends was important to him and he will be missed by many whose lives he touched.

A Funeral Service will be held at on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 am at Still Hopes’ Chapel of the Holy Spirit, 1 Still Hopes Drive West Columbia, SC  29169.  A Blessing of the Urn will take place On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Columbarium in Aiken, South Carolina, 138 Fairfield St. SE, Aiken, SC.

Donations in Ernie’s memory to Still Hopes Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund (www.StillHopes.org/Give) or to the South Carolina Oncology Associates Care Foundation (https://scoacares.org/) are gratefully appreciated.