Ernest “Ernie” D. Lees, 78, of Punxsutawney, died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in his home.

He was born March 15, 1947, in Butler, a son of the late Dean S. Lees and Olive Louise Williams Lees.

Ernest graduated from Blairsville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree at Indiana State Teacher’s College. He was fluent in several different languages, including Spanish, Latin and Greek. He was employed for several years as an international operator for Bell Telephone and then Verizon. He also worked in their engineering department doing utility drawings before retiring.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Lees (Mary), of Greensburg; his nephew, Matthew Lees (Nicole); niece, Rose Crivella (Father Brian); and five great-nieces, Sara, Katherine, Irene, Helen and Lina.

LEES — There will be no public viewing for Ernest “Ernie” D. Lees, who died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.

Relatives and friends of Ernest are invited to attend his funeral Mass, to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensburg, with Father Kenneth Zaccagnini celebrating. Everyone please go directly to the church.

Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Ernest’s family has entrusted his care to PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, Greensburg.

For online condolences and directions, visit pantalone.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.