Of Wilmington, DE, died peacefully at Christiana Hospital on July 11 at the age of 93.A US Navy veteran of World War II, Ernie, at age 21, was executive officer of LCI 493 which was among the group of ships charged with transporting troops to Omaha Beach during the Invasion of Normandy. In the Pacific Theater in the Invasion of Okinawa, he served as executive officer of LCS 66 (Flotilla 4). He became captain of LCS 67 (Flotilla 4) during the Occupation of Japan. He was a graduate of the University of Kansas with bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry and was a lifelong member of Alpha Chi Sigma. He worked in the petroleum, power, and construction industries.Ernie is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his daughter, Linda L. Hyde; his son-in-law, Christopher J. McFadden; and his grandson, Jonathan "Jonny" McFadden.Services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015. Visitation will be held at Mealey Funeral Home (2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington) from 10:30 to 11:30 with a funeral service following.Interment will be at 1 PM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; to the Delaware Food Bank, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713; or a favorite charity. MealeyFuneralHomes.com (302) 652-5913