Ernest Lee Bellegante

Ernest L. Bellegante age 59 passed away in his home surrounded by family Monday, June 17, 2013 in Chubbuck, Idaho.

Ernest “Ernie” was born September 17, 1953 in Gooding, Idaho to Alfred H. and Ella L. Bellegante. He spent most of his early years growing up on a farm in Glenn's Ferry, Idaho. Ernie graduated from Pocatello High School in 1971. In January of 1973 he married Maria de Jesus Soares, and together they had 3 children. In September of 1991 he married Tonia Luderman and shared 21 happy years of marriage, together they were blessed with 3 more children.

Ernie was a very humorous and light hearted man, well liked by all that knew him. He was really fun to be around, and loved to joke and pull pranks. Most importantly, he made his family his first priority. Spending quality time with his wife and children was always on the top of his list.
He was known as an extremely hard worker who always gave 110% to provide a good life for his family. He worked as a millwright at J. R. Simplot Co. for 26 years. He was a fitter/welder at SME Steel for five years, and has spent the last 10 years as an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad.

Ernie loved all things outdoors. He loved to fish, camp, and hunt but he especially loved to go for long rides on his Harley. He had a passion for gardening and loved to spend days playing his guitar. Ernie was also an animal lover and liked to spoil his two favorite beagles Penny and Ruby.
Ernie is survived by his wife Tonia, daughters Kelly and Natasha Bellegante, Audra (T.C.) Latimer, sons Jason, Joseph, and Nickolas Bellegante, his mother Ella, and brother Gene (Lisa) Bellegante. He had 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father Alfred H. Bellegante and a brother Gerald R. Bellegante.