Ernest T. "Ernie" Halunen, 83, of Rochester, passed away Friday, May 21 at Forestview Nursing Center in Wareham. He was the husband of Alice (Allaire) Halunen of Rochester.

Ernie was born in Wareham, the son of the late Matti and Lempi ( Hatanpaa) Halunen. He attended Wareham public schools and graduated from Wareham High School.

Ernie is an Army veteran of WWII and Korea. He was a carpenter and worked with many local construction companies. A life member of the Marion Benjamin D. Cushing Post 2425 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ernie served as the Adjutant.

Ernie also loved spending time with his family, friends, and he was an avid reader and war historian. In addition to his wife of 22 years, he is survived by his seven stepchildren; Pamela Gibson, of FL, Dennis Dufresne, of CT, Debra Kunovic, of FL, David Dufresne, of New Bedford, Daniel Dufresne, of PA, Diana Beaulieu, of Taunton, and Donna Lefrancois, of FL. He is also survived by his sister Elna Hulbert, of Wareham, 17 step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. He is the brother of the late Edith Richardson.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. at the Wareham Village Funeral Home, 5 Center St., Wareham. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 25 from 3 to 7 p.m. only. Interment will be in Centre Cemetery, Wareham.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post 2425, 465 Mill Street Marion, MA 02738. Online guest book at warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.