Ernest F. Mayer, Jr.

Port Leyden – Ernest F. Mayer, 84, of Moose River Road, husband of Carol, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica, following a brief illness.

Affectionately known as Ernie, he was born on December 13, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Ernest F. Mayer, Sr. and Mary Holland Mayer. He moved to Utica as a young boy, where he received his education at Utica Free Academy. Following his education, he entered the United States Air Force serving in Paris, France during the Korean War.

On September 15, 1956, Ernie was united in marriage with Carol Reese and the couple settled in Whitesboro. For just over forty years Ernie was employed as a machinist for The International Heater Company of Utica, and then spent an additional 15 years employed at Orion Bus Industries, Oriskany and also for L.B. Securities, Utica as a security guard. For a time, the couple lived in Poland before their most recent move to Port Leyden, NY.

Ernie was a member of the Boonville American Legion, where he proudly served as a dedicated member of their Color Guard. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed trips to Oneida Lake and the St. Lawrence River.

Ernest was the founder and father of the Mayer Racing Family, and was NASCAR affiliated. He is a well-known stock car driver at tracks all over northern NY, his favorite being Utica-Rome Speedway. For the entirety of his career he drove the #171, and now proudly tells of his son Gary Sr., Gary’s sons and also his grandson Jacob carrying on the family legacy behind the wheel of a car that bears the same number.

Ernest is survived by his wife Carol, sons: Gary (Debby) Mayer, Boonville and Terry Mayer, Poland; daughters: Patricia (Jesse) Kimble, Whitesboro and Roxann Wilkison, Utica; grandchildren: Gary (Breann) Mayer, Jr., Gregory (Sally) Mayer, Timothy (Brittny) Mayer, Cory (Jacinda) Mayer, Terry Mayer, Jr.(Cathy), Cortney Steria, Brittany Henriques, Amanda Martin and Jacob Kimble, 16 great-grandchildren, and his siter Kathy (Dan) True, Sylvan Beach. Ernie was predeceased by his grandson Michael Martin, Jr., and a special canine companion Ruby.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation hours on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M., at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville and also to attend a graveside service in Port Leyden Cemetery at 1:30 P.M, where members of Charles J. Love Post American Legion and Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W., of Boonville will provide Military Rites. Memorial contributions may be made to J.S. Koster Hose Company, P.O. Box 652, Port Leyden, NY 13433.