Ernest O. Colarullo

HINGHAM – Ernest O. Colarullo, a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran and former owner of Barba’s Market in Hingham, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 27.  The longtime Hingham resident was 92 years old.

Ernest was born and raised in Newtonville.  After graduating from Newton High School, he studied mathematics and statistics at Brown University, graduating in 1943.  He then attended the U.S.N.R. Midshipman School at Columbia University.

Ernest was selected to enroll in the U.S. Naval Academy Post-Graduate School for training in communications and code analysis.  He served for twenty months as a communications officer in the Pacific Fleet aboard the USS South Dakota under the command of Admirals Spruance and Halsey and witnessed the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945.  Returning from the Pacific Theater, Ernest served his remaining active duty aboard the USS Bunker Hill.  He remained in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1980 when he retired with the rank of Lt. Commander.

After the war, he worked for several years in the movie industry with Paramount Pictures and Affiliated Theaters in Boston before purchasing Barba’s Market in 1954, making him the third owner of the original Hingham Market (est. 1896).  Ernest was a proud member of the Hingham Rotary Club and the Hingham Chamber of Commerce.  He operated the landmark Hingham location until his retirement in 1988.  In addition to the market, he owned a package store and a Burger King franchise.

Ernest was proud to say he began following Fidelity Investments in 1967, when the company was offering only four mutual funds.  He suggested this form of investment to everyone he met with great enthusiasm.  Ernest loved the ocean and enjoyed several cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and also visited Ireland and Italy in his later years.  He had a passion for reading, baseball, and discussing politics and world events.

Ernie took a genuine interest in everyone he met, and was widely known for his lively conversation and generous spirit.  His ever-present grin and positive outlook will be deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to be in his life.

Ernest was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Irma (Nicolai).  He is survived by his loving children, Barbara Barter and her husband Thomas of Hingham, Dr. Susan Colarullo of Hopewell, New Jersey, and Linda Colarullo of Brighton.  Ernest is also survived by his granddaughter Rachel of Hopewell, New Jersey, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was the brother of the late Josephine Iamele, Genevieve Barba, Ernestine Catavalo, Viola Giardino, and Elinor Field.

The family would like to thank all of his friends at the Hingham Senior Center, especially his dear friend Richard Heapes.  The family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Hospice of the South Shore, who became his good friends during the last weeks of his life.

Donations in Ernest’s memory may be made to the Hingham Senior Center, 224 Central St., Hingham, MA 02043 or Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Dr., Rockland, MA, 02370.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham, MA on October 2, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.  A life celebration service will be held in the funeral home on October 3 at 9:15 AM, with a Funeral Mass in The Church of the Resurrection at 1057 Main St., Hingham, MA.  Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.