Obituary of Ernest Eugene Rankins

MOHAWK – Mr. Ernest Eugene “Ernie” Rankins, loving father of Pamela Jouben and Raymond Rankins, passed away suddenly on September 19, 2021 at the age of 81, with his children and grandchildren by his side, at Albany Medical Center, in Albany, NY, after a brief illness. Ernest was born on October 14, 1939, in Ilion, NY and was one of seven sons of the late Russell and Blanche Rankins. He was raised in and lived his entire life in Mohawk, NY. He was a graduate of Mohawk Central School. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1964 and was a member of the Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post 25 in Mohawk, NY. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the Mohawk Fire Department for a number of years and enjoyed participating with the Mohawk Renegades Firematics team and was an Exempt member of the Mohawk Fire Department. For much of his life he worked for Remington Arms in Ilion, NY. He last worked for Hale Manufacturing in Herkimer, NY from 1996-2002 before enjoying full retirement. Over the years, he also worked as a highly regarded auto mechanic doing automotive body work and painting. One of his prized possessions was the 1939 Pontiac Coupe he had painstakingly restored. Ernest is survived by his children, Pamela Rankins Jouben and Raymond Rankins (Elizabeth); and his grandchildren, Jason Rankins and Rachel and Abigail Jouben. He was predeceased by his brothers, Willis "Bill" Rankins (late June) and Ivan Rankins (late Nioga). He is survived by his brothers, Edwin Rankins (Wilma), Richard Rankins (late Dorothy), David Rankins (Mary), and Walter Rankins (Penny). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and the many friends he'd made over the years through work and at the fire department and the Mohawk legion. He loved visiting the Legion often to enjoy a beer and tell jokes with friends. His favorite visitors were his daughter and granddaughters. His contagious smile will live on with everyone who knew “Dirty” Ernie. His children remember him as a loving father who was always supportive of their dreams and goals and was always there when needed to provide help and support. They have many loving memories of his presence at their school activities and athletic events and the summer vacations and camping trips they took every year. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 26 at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, at 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY. There will be calling hours from 2 until 4 PM. At 4PM he will be honored with a Ritualistic Service from the Crowley Barnum American Legion Post, then at 4:15 PM a tribute from the Mohawk Fire Department, concluding with prayer by Chaplain, Kenneth Palmer. The family would like to thank the staff at the Little Falls Hospital ER and Albany Medical Center for their efforts in making his final moments as comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Alexander Hose Company, 28 Columbia St., Mohawk, NY 13407. Arrangements have been established with Funeral Directors Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea & Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 894-8000.