Ernest J. Laurenti

OBITUARY: Ernest Joseph Laurenti
Ernest Joseph Laurenti, 88, Topeka, died Sun., July 31, 2011, at Stormont-Vail Hospital's ER. He was born March 13, 1923, in New York City, the son of Benizia (Bertoni) and Lorenzo Laurenti. He entered the service in WW II and was stationed in England with the 8th Air Force as a heavy machine gunner in the 594th Bomb Squadron. He later was stationed at Forbes Field. He worked at John Morrell's until the '51 flood and then went to work at the V.A. Hospital in the laundry , retiring there as foreman after 26 years. Ernie was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He married Grace Koci in 1947. She preceded him in death in 2010. Survivors include two sons: James L. Laurenti (Donna) of Bellvue, NE and Anthony M. Laurenti (Brenda) of Topeka; a daughter: Lisa K. McCracken (Richard) of Lee's Summit, MO; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Thurs., Aug. 4, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Interment in the Czech-Moravan Cemetery northeast of Rossville. Ernie will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Wed. at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1800 SW Stone Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.