Ernest P. Watras, 93, died on Tuesday December 22, 2015 at Water's Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Middletown, with his loving family by his side.

Born on August 31, 1922 in Lebanon, CT he was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Wilkes) Watras. Ernest was a longtime resident of Meriden and parishioner of Holy Angels Church. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps in WWII, during which he endured a plane crash in enemy territory and a trek through Chinese jungle to safety. Ernest received his BSBA from the University of Denver. He was employed as a Senior Engineer for SNET, and continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve, where he reached the rank of Lt. Col. Ernest was Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club from 1961 until 1962. He raised pheasants for the State of CT for hunting clubs. Ernest enjoyed gardening and restoring a 1920 Mack truck. He also built new houses with his brothers for many of his family members.

Mr. Watras is survived by his beloved son Matthew D. Watras and his wife Christine of Chicago; Matthew's sister Michelle Velissariou of Middletown; his former wife Marilyn Watras and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Stasia (Klenk) Watras; 7 brothers and 6 sisters.

His funeral will be held on Saturday December 26th, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. from the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, when the funeral cortege will proceed to Holy Angels Church for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ernest P. Watras may be made to the charity of one's choice.