Age 92, of Wilmington passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Cadia Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Pike Creek.Ernest was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Domenica (DiLizio) and Domenick Palmarella. He graduated from Wilmington High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired from Penn Railroad/Amtrak in 1983 after 35 years in which he never took one sick day. He was predeceased by his wife, Eva (Ferrelli) Palmarella in 2010 and his sisters, Ann Dorris, Virginia Osowski and Florence Lenza.Ernie is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Matkowsky(Joseph) of Wilmington, and Linda Haring (Doug) of Pike Creek; his sons, Ernest (Norma) of Berwyn, PA, and David (Jeanne) of New Castle; his grandchildren, Joe, Dan, Kate, Graceann, Mark, Ryan, and Alexis, and his sister, Lena O'Toole of Wilmington. He is also survived by his good friend, Thurman (Junior) Bare, and his many loving nieces and nephews.Ernie enjoyed traveling, and traveled extensively throughout the United States. He visited Australia for a multi-national family reunion and traveled to Europe several times. He also loved playing poker and bingo with his many friends, especially poker with the ladies because he usually won.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 23rd at 11 AM at the Parish of the Resurrection Church, 3000 Videre Drive, Skyline Ridge where friends and family are invited to visitation after 10 AM. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.The family wishes to thank the staffs at Seasons Hospice and Cadia Nursing home for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to Forgotten Cats of Delaware, Suite 422, 4023 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807.