Ernest J. Robillard, 91, of Sterling, formerly of Holden, died peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at home on the anniversary of his wedding. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 69 years and his family.

Ernest was born in Leicester, son of the late August and Olympe (Papillion) Robillard. He grew up in Worcester where he attended Holy Name Grammar School, Worcester Boys Trade and Worcester Junior College. In World War II he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USS Warren where he worked as a cook and baker with the rank of Petty Officer. In 1945, his ship docked in Portland, Oregon to undergo repairs. There a fellow shipmate introduced him to the former M. Evelyne Nelson. The date was May 7, 1945. They were married on May 17th, after knowing each other only ten days. He was then shipped off to rejoin the war in the Pacific once again. After the war they returned to the Worcester area, eventually settling in Holden where they raised their family and spent the next fifty years together.

Ernie worked for Rice Barton Company, of Worcester for forty years, retiring in 1994. Ernie and Evelyne were inseparable. They loved to travel, dance, bowl and play cards. They played cards with the same group of friends monthly for over sixty years. Ernie was also an avid sportsman. He especially loved golf, tennis and fishing, which he did until becoming infirmed at age 77. Still he continued playing sports via his Wii games. Even when infirmed, he continued to indulge in his greatest pastime – that of enjoying his family which he did until his last breath.

Besides his loving wife, Evelyne, he is survived by his daughter, Phyllis M. Magdis and her husband, Richard of Sterling, with whom he lived; his son, David N. Robillard of Tulsa, OK; his sister, Sr. Rose Robillard, SSA of Marlborough; his six grandchildren: Heather L. Lillis, wife of Seth Lillis, Stephanie A. Girouard, wife of Mark Girouard, Elizabeth A. and Kathryn A. Magdis, all of Sterling, Jamie S. Stine of Tulsa OK and Joshua N. Robillard of Albany, NY; his eight great-grandchildren; Jessica and Michael Lillis, Rachael and Ali Girouard, David, Gabriella and Tyler Stine and Abigail Robillard. He was predeceased by his brothers Alfred and Roger Robillard.

Although he was infirm for many years he loved and laughed at least a little on every one of those days. His most famous quote to all who knew him was “And they said it wouldn’t last!”, referring to his marriage to Evelyn, and then he would laugh and smile still very much in love, and that was how he passed, on their 69th anniversary, quietly listening to his wife repeat the story of their short courtship.

The family has requested that the service be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations made be made to those places which were so kind to both Evelyne and Ernie over the past years; Catholic Charities, 196 Mechanic Street
Leominster, MA 01453, the Metro West Hospice, 67 Union Street, Natick, MA 01760 and Sterling Senior Center, P.O. Box 243, Sterling, MA 01564. Thank you. Arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling.