With heavy hearts, the family of Ernest “Ernie” A. Trunzo said goodbye to a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He left them far too soon but filled their lives with immeasurable love and joy.
Born with cerebral palsy, Ernie faced challenges, but he was never defined by them. It was his abilities and positive attitude that made him the heart of his family. The bond he shared with his father was the greatest of all. They were each other’s purpose in this world; the purest source of love, strength and resilience.
Ernie, affectionally known as Bubby, was born April 11, 1967, and died March 2, 2025, at the age of 57. From the moment of his birth, he was surrounded by unwavering love every day of his life and until the very end. Bubby was cherished, celebrated and adored because he was a gift. His spirit was unbreakable, his smile was contagious, and his presence lit up every room.
Ernie’s passion for life was evident in everything he did. He loved all things Harley-Davidson and WWE wrestling, was Clemson football’s biggest fan and a Giants fan – but only when they were winning.
During the warmer months, you could always find Ernie outside with his dad working in the yard. He loved using the leaf blower attached to his wheelchair to clear the leaves and, in his younger years, driving the John Deere tractor. He inherited his pride in lawn maintenance directly from his father.
He loved watching movies and TV shows – singing his heart out to “Grease,” “The Greatest Showman,” and “Burlesque” – and enjoying his mom’s cooking, especially her broccoli rabe.
More than anything, he adored his five nieces, Alexandra Becker, Jacklyn Becker, Dakotah Nuro, Nicolette Becker and Hailey Nuro, who brought him endless joy, love and laughter. They were his world, and he was theirs.
The family finds comfort in knowing that he is at peace, not in pain or suffering anymore. His life is one of courage, love and the reminder that the greatest lives are not measured by what we achieve but by the love we give and receive, and he had an abundance like no other.
Bubby was predeceased by his father and best friend Ernie, his aunt and uncle Fran and Bill, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Surviving are his mother, Natalie DeStefano Trunzo; sisters Dina Trunzo Bogardus (Don), Donna Nuro and Danielle Becker (Steve); his nieces; and many cousins and friends, especially Bryan Moffitt.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of LADACIN (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) for providing him with services, therapies and programs that greatly enhanced his life. For the past 30 years, Bubby lived at Mill Creek Group Home, surrounded by a second family in David, Paul, Audrey, Christine and Angela, along with all the staff who loved and cared for him like their own.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to LADACIN – specifically to the Mill Creek Group Home – to honor Ernie’s memory. His wish was to see the grounds of the group home landscaped with beautiful shrubs, plants and a garden space. Donations can be made at donatenow.networkforgood.org/ladacindonation.
Visitation was held March 7 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A prayer and memorial service was held March 8 at the funeral home. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the March 13 – 19, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
