Ernest (Ernie) J. April, Jr., passed away on February 3, 2026, in hospice care in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by his family. Born on April 14, 1940, in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Ernie was the son of Ernest J. April, Sr. and Marion April, who predeceased him, and spent his childhood and early teens in the Beverly and Lynn, MA communities. Ernie later moved with his family to Somersworth, New Hampshire, where he graduated from Somersworth High School and subsequently met his wife of 64 years, Therese April, who has also predeceased him.

Ernie dedicated his life to his extended family and his career with General Electric (GE) in both Somersworth, NH and Wilmington, NC, where he retired after 37 years. He also spent 8 years in the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserves from 1958 to 1966. Ernie also worked multiple part time jobs throughout his life to support his family including the Somersworth Fire Department, Somersworth Police Department, Cumberland Farms, Gagnon’s Oil and Agway Oil.

Ernie spent all of his spare time with his wife, family and friends, traveling around the US, Italy, France and multiple Caribbean cruises. His happiest times were with his family at their homes in Somersworth and Wilmington, their RV, on a ship in the Caribbean or on an airplane going anywhere. Ernie and Therese were inseparable, truly enjoying their time together no matter where they were until Therese’s passing in 2025.

Ernie was a loving father to Cheryl McHugh and her husband Michael (who predeceased him), Michelle April and her husband John Fernandez, Robert April (who predeceased him) and his wife Darla, and Ronald April and his wife Debra. Ernie also loved spending time with his grandchildren, Myranda Bosch, Adam McHugh, Courtney Lewis, Cody April, Sydney Doucette, Taryn April, Chris April, Alexis Fernandez and Luke Fernandez. He also loved and adored his fourteen great grandchildren.

A gathering with family and friends will be held on May 2, 2026, at the Edgerly Funeral Home, 86 S. Main Street, Rochester, NH from 10:30 am to noon, followed by a service at the same location beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in memory of Ernest April to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.