Ernest D’Aversa, 90, died peacefully April 14 at the Harbor, the Village at East Farms, Waterbury, after a protracted illness. He was born in Waterbury, August 18, 1923, the son of Vincenzo and Vincenza (“Anna” Petraroia) D’Aversa. He was the fourth of five children, all of whom predeceased him. 

A World War II veteran, Ernest served as an aircraft armorer with the Eighth Air Force, based in England.

He spent the last 23 years of his working life as a psychiatric aide at Fairfield Hills Hospital. Previously, he pursued a career as an actor and appeared in numerous productions in New York and Connecticut, and worked as a slab-miller operator at Scovill Manufacturing in Waterbury, for the Trailways Bus Co. in Atlanta, and as a clerk at B.F. Goodrich. After retiring, he lived for a number of years in Heritage Village, Southbury.

The following words from the Roman playwright Terence convey his philosophy of life: “Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto (I am a human being. I consider nothing that is human alien to me.)"

Numerous nieces and nephews survive him.

A memorial celebration of Mr D’Aversa’s life will be held in May, date and location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to make a contribution in his name to the library at his former residence. Checks should be made payable to Village at East Farms, with “Harbor Library” written in the memo section. These may be sent c/o Donna Sasani, Harbor Care Director, The Harbor/The Village at East Farms, 180 Scott Road, Waterbury CT 06705.