WORCESTER-Ernest R. Ovitt, Sr., 85, of Worcester, died Saturday, May 7th in his daughter Erin’s home. He leaves his wife of 62 ½ years, Shirley L. (Kitchings) Ovitt; a son, Warren T. Ovitt and his wife Marilyn of Worcester; two daughters, Peggy L. Ovitt-Lucier and her husband Wilfred of New Hampshire and Erin Russell Ovitt and her companion Brian Cobb of Auburn; his sister, June Copeta and her husband Edward of Athol; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one on the way; several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by three brothers, Earl Ovitt, Kenneth Gravlin and William Lavalley and a sister Virginia Ovitt.
Mr. Ovitt was born in Athol, the son of Alfred and Gertrude (Ramsdell) Ovitt. He was a graduate of the Clark School for the Deaf and Athol High School, excelling in sports at both schools. Mr. Ovitt retired from the Rand-Whitney Company after 28 years of loyal service. He was a member and past president of the New England Chapter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and was in its Hall of Fame for Athletics. Mr. Ovitt would have been the first deaf man in history to play Major League Baseball for the then Brooklyn Dodgers, but an injury kept him from achieving his dream. Mr. Ovitt was a champion father and an avid sportsman.
Calling hours are Tuesday, May 10th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM with a service to follow at 7:00 PM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 11th at 1:00 PM in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to 37R Hampton Street, Auburn, MA 01501.