Ernest L Mathieu November 12, 1921 - November 18, 2008 Ernest L. "Ernie" Mathieu, 87, of Worcester, a proud World War II, U.S. Army Veteran passed away peacefully Tuesday, November, 18th 2008 in his home. Ernie's beloved wife of 60 years, Doris L. (Quarelli) Mathieu passed away June 14th. Ernie is survived by his three devoted children; Joan D. Smolen and her husband Joseph of Dudley, Carol A. Gendron and her husband David of Shrewsbury, Bruce E. Mathieu and his wife Georgiana of Worcester; six cherished grandchildren Lynne, Jeff, Jennifer, Craig, Daniel and Nicole; A sister, Lorraine Oldakowski of Greenville, R.I.; Many nieces and nephews. Ernie was born in Worcester; his parents were the late Ernest L. Mathieu, Sr. and Alice (Dufault) Mathieu. He went to school in Worcester and joined the U.S. Army during World War II. Ernie served his country with distinction in the South Pacific as a landing craft operator delivering assaulting troops under fire to the many beachheads that they were invading during three major battles. He has lived in Worcester all his life. Ernie began his working career at the Felters Co. but left and spent the majority of it as a route salesman for Bond Bread Co. and later at Coghlin Electric Co. prior to retiring. Ernie was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and a member and past commander of the West Boylston, VFW Post 6907. Ernie, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend will be forever remembered for his dedication to his family and his sense of humor. Ernie loved to travel, work in his yard and especially enjoyed his younger grandchildren Danny and Nicole. The funeral will be held Friday, November 21st from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Central Massachusetts Veterans, 60 Grove St. Worcester, MA 01608.