Ernest George Jung

Ernest George Jung, 88, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, in Danbury, Connecticut.

Born to immigrant parents, Ernst and Marianna Jung, on December 28, 1937, in Ridgewood, Brooklyn, New York, he was a compassionate, kind, and hardworking man who loved his family. His greatest gift was his ability to make people smile.

Ernie attended The City University of New York (CUNY), where he majored in geology. During high school, he worked for a surveying business and discovered the profession that would become his lifelong career. He went on to establish a successful surveying and land-planning business, where he worked for more than 50 years.

Ernie met the love of his life, Johanna, at CUNY. They were married for 65 years and built a home in Smithtown, New York, where they raised their three daughters, Karen, Erika, and Natalie. Family was of utmost importance to Ernie. He deeply loved his wife and daughters and showed them unconditional love and generosity throughout his life. He also made sure his girls were exposed to culture and entertainment. Together, they frequently visited museums and attended concerts and sporting events.

An avid sports fan, Ernie was also a pitcher in the church softball league. His adoring neighborhood fans could often be heard chanting “Uncle Ernie” from the stands.

Church and music were central to Ernie’s life. At the First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, he was a dedicated member who held numerous leadership positions and volunteered whenever there was a need. After moving to Connecticut, he regularly attended services at Valley Presbyterian Church in Brookfield.

Music was one of Ernie’s greatest passions. He spent countless hours collecting LPs, attending concerts, and listening to classical music while working in his office. Each summer, he eagerly anticipated the Mostly Mozart Festival, where he could enjoy performances by his favorite composer and savor his favorite treat—ice cream during intermission. He passed his love of music on to all three daughters, who often delighted him with impromptu trio concerts.

When he retired in 2007, Ernie moved to Connecticut to be closer to his daughters and his growing number of grandchildren—and granddogs. He loved making breakfast for everyone, gathering the whole family for holidays, telling “Dad jokes,” and making people laugh. He proudly attended his grandchildren’s sporting events, meets, recitals, and other milestones.

Retirement also gave Ernie the opportunity to further pursue his many interests, including fine woodworking, nature, birding, travel, photography, and gardening.

Ernest was predeceased by his father, Ernst, and his mother, Marianna. He is survived by his beloved brother, Alfred; his devoted wife, Johanna; his daughters, Karen (Lesley), Erika, and Natalie (Carl); and his five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Noah, Zachary, Joshua, and Nathan.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday July 25, 2026 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Brookfield, Connecticut.