Ernest Michael Cawley

Ernest (Ernie) Michael Cawley

After 72 years of living life to the fullest, Ernest (Ernie) Michael Cawley of Hazelwood, PA passed away peacefully on April 12, 2021. He is a Gladstone graduate and retiree from Dravo - after 12 years as a Barge Welder, W.E. Construction - which he founded with his brother Wayne, and finally after working almost 30 years driving a cab for Yellow Cab Company (aka Ambassador of Pittsburgh). He lost his 6 month battle of Glioblastoma and Covid, but he gave them a heck of a fight, as he was tough as nails and never gave up - although for him, giving up was never an option. He joins in heaven his dad Ernest W. Cawley, mom Ethel (Beka) Cawley, Sister-in-Law Roberta Keller, cousin (who was more like a brother) Eugene C. Cawley, Jr., cousin (although thought of more as a nephew) William J. (Billy Jack) Novak, and all other family, friends, and Vietnam Brothers who had passed before him. 

Although he is no longer with us physically his spirit lives on in all those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He had a way about him that after talking to him for just a few minutes you felt like you knew him for years. His easy going and positive attitude made being around him feel like heaven on earth is possible.

His legacy is his family and will live on through them. He leaves behind 2 brothers: Wayne (Jeanie) Cawley - 2 nieces - Ida and Christina; and Gregory Cawley - 4 nephews - Gregory, Gary, Bill, and Robert; A Brother-in-Law who was more like a brother, Bill (Judy) Ferrari - 3 more nephews - Bill (Beezy), Joey, and TJ; the Blawnox Clan - where he spent a lot of time with his cousins who were more like brothers and sisters, so much that his kids know them as their aunt's and uncle's to this day. 

Last but not least, he leaves behind the love of his life and beautiful wife, Stella E. (Ferrari) Cawley (who he told when she was 12 years old that he would marry her someday) they had 3 awesome kids (his words not ours) and although he wished he had a dozen grandkids cause according to him they are "cheaper by the dozen," he settled for 5 perfect grandkids. His oldest son Michael R. (Katie) Cawley blessed him with 3 beautiful granddaughters - Stella, Nora, and Shea; his favorite daughter (well technically only daughter) Jeannette R. (Rich) Troy blessed him with two handsome grandsons (handsome like Pap as he would say), Jeffrey and Richie; his youngest son Brian Cawley; and let's not forget his favorite four-legged family member Loki (aka big teddy bear). Unfortunately, he never got to meet Pepper the newest four-legged addition to his son Mike's family, but we all know they would have became best friends. 

He was beloved and a devoted dad, grandpap, husband, brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin, Vietnam Veteran, and friend to all.

As a proud yet humble Vietnam Veteran, he loved this country and woke up everyday with the mission to make the world a better place for all of us. He lived to help and serve. Whether it be bartending at the Hazelwood American Legion, putting up flags at the cemetery for Memorial day every year, founding and organizing the annual Cawley-Stevens Family Reunion, or giving an old friend a ride to the annual Hazelwood Reunion (even if they lived in North Carolina), you could always count on Ernie. The only payment he needed was putting a smile on your face and the feeling he got from putting goodness out into the world. 

As he would say, you only get one life so live it to the fullest, don't worry about the things you can't control - life is too short, and last but not least, when you fall, pick yourself up, dust off, and try again (Quitters never Win and Winners never Quit).  And as he would say to his grandkids, anything you set your mind to you will do well - and never forget to "Get all A's." 

There are so many more of his words of wisdom I could share, but I believe I may have already exceeded the word limit for the average obituary - which is expected since there is nothing average about Ernie.

To celebrate Ernie's life, all Friends, Family, and Vet Brothers are welcome to join us at a Memorial Service at St. Stephen, Spartan Center, 134 East Elizabeth Street, Hazelwood, PA 15207 on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Deacon Tom will be in attendance to lead us in prayer. 

Following the Memorial Service, there will be a burial service at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road,  Bridgeville, PA 15017. Please meet there at 2:15 p.m. Burial will include full military Honors by the US Army active duty and the Brentwood Funeral Military Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the Hazelwood American Legion Post 538, that Ernie was once the Commander and more recently Quarter Master. You can bring donations to the Memorial service and drop it in the donation box or mail it to the following address:
American Legion Post 538
P.O. Box 5576
Pittsburgh, PA 15207

In accordance with state mandates masks MUST be worn and social distancing must be maintained.

Caring and Professional Arrangements for the Cawley family are under the direction

of the New Location-Elmer L Herman Funeral Home,

located at 828 Richford St at Commonwealth Ave. Duquesne/West Mifflin, PA 15110. 

Near Kennywood Park and West Mifflin High School.

Direct Access to me 412-521-2768 or my cell-412-475-4381.

"Dignified Funerals, Celebrations of Life, Green Burials and Cremations with Care"

You are invited to sign the Online Guest Book at the top of the page to pass

along your personal message or tell a story to support the family.

With warmest regards,

John N. Bauer and the Staff of the new Elmer L Herman Funeral Home

"Where Every Life is Cherished & Every Family is Treasured"

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