Ernest C. Tetrault

Schenectady - Ernie Tetrault, died on Thursday, April 8, 2021.  He is survived by his wife, Ann; son Ernie James; daughter Ellen June and granddaughter Kendyl Aurora.  He is also survived by his brother Don’s widow Frances Tetrault and nephew Andy Tetrault.

Ernie was born in Watervliet, NY, grew up in Troy and is one of Catholic Central High School’s outstanding alumni.  He served in the Naval Air Corps during World War II and attended St. Lawrence University and Cornell College. When the war ended, Ernie completed his college work at Siena College in 1951.  He met his wife Ann in an American Literature Class at Siena and they were married in 1953.

In 1951, Ernie joined the pioneer television in Schenectady.  He hosted a well-received morning show with Eileen Flynn called “Home Fare” and did newscasts.

In 1967, following the 6-day war, Ernie, Ann, EJ and Ellen traveled to Israel.  Ernie captured the incredible trip on camera and upon return home, he scripted it and showed it on evening television from Monday through Friday.

Ernie has been an active broadcaster in the Capital Region for more than sixty years.  He was named to the Broadcasters Hall of Fame and achieved the honor of longest tenured broadcaster at WRGB, Channel 6.  One of his well-remembered assignments was a trip to South Vietnam where he interviewed many local servicemen.

In 1988, one of the highlights of his work on WRGB’s Evening News was a much-heralded series on the homeless in the Capital Region.  He assumed the role of a homeless man and lived on the streets of Albany unrecognized by the thousands of pedestrians who watched him deliver the news each night.

In 1990, Ernie was the first local television news person to fly with the American troops to Saudi Arabia.  There he reported firsthand on film and by satellite on Capital Region residents’ involvement in the Gulf War.  In 1993 Ernie was the commencement speaker at St. Rose College where he received a Doctor of Humane Letters.

Since retiring from WRGB in 1993, Ernie has served as an advocate for hearing impaired and helped found the Air Museum in Glenville that brings aviation enthusiasts to Schenectady from all over the world.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:00 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady.  Face masks are required, and social distancing will be observed. Interment will follow the Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

The family has chosen not to have calling hours due to the pandemic.  If you would like to send condolences or share your memories and pictures of Ernie, please send to the Tetrault Family, PO Box 9612, Schenectady, NY 12309.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville, NY 12302 in memory of Ernest C. Tetrault.