Ernest "Ernie" G. Sealo was born on December 27, 1920 in Harlem USA, a true New Yorker.  He loved Harlem. It's where he developed his enterprising spirit. Ernie would tell you that his first job was selling flowers on Mother's Day at the young age of 4, later shining shoes in midtown Manhattan, then selling the Amsterdam News in Harlem. It was these experiences that taught him to "start small and finish big."

Ernie was an avid swimmer who swam competitively at the YMCA and for DeWitt Clinton high school.  He even swam across the Hudson River. He joined the Navy during WW II after attending a year at Fisk University. While stationed in Calcutta, India, as a supply sergeant he continued his aquatics and joined the water polo team that took first place in an international competition.

The swim team was asked to train as frogmen who are predecessors to the Navy SEALS. Their mission was to detonate the ports of Rangoon. Young, macho, fearless and anxious for combat, the squad was trained and ready to attack. The British stole their thunder and overtook Rangoon before they were dispatched.

Ernie returned to Harlem and continued his college education, graduating in 1948 with a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University.  That same year, he married Portia Minor with whom he had 2 children, Shelly and Ernest Jr. He spent the next 30 years working at VA hospitals in New York providing physical therapy and laughter to his patients.

After retiring from the VA he founded Start Up Technical Institute, an electronics assembly school.

Ernie loved golf and shot his age, even shooting lower than his age at times. The "young" guys often had a hard time keeping up.  Ask his son-in-law Bill.

He was creative, artistic, and loved to entertain. His themed porch in Puerto Rico was the center of attention. Ernie's "Dungeon" in NJ was the hangout for the Election Day party in 2008 when Obama won his first presidential term. How thrilled Ernie was to host a party on this historic day!

Ernie was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Monmouth County Men's Club, board member of The First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, and Chairman of Public Relations for the Association of Physical Mental Rehabilitation.

We will remember Ernie most for his jokes, storytelling, writings, and love for golf.  He lived a full life, a life worth celebrating.

He was predeceased by Shelly's mother, Portia Minor Sealo; son, Ernest G. Sealo Jr.; 2nd wife of 30 years, Lois Church Sealo; brother, William Sealo; and nephew, William Sealo Jr.

Surviving family members are his wife, Gertrude Harris Sealo; daughter and jewel of his heart, Shelly Sealo; stepchildren, Rosita (Dennis), Renee (Anthony), Sharon, Kay (Bill), Lorenzo III, and Nancy Crooks; eleven cousins; and extended family members; Dan Johnson, and Gill and Viola Brooks.