Obituary of Ernest D Masso

Ernest Dominic Masso, 79, after a prolonged illness, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, January 16th, 2026.  

Ernie, as he preferred to be called, was born in Camden, New Jersey, on May 7th, 1946, the second son to Rudolph and Ida (nee Blasi) Masso.  He grew up and lived his life surrounded by a loving, nurturing family that emphasized a strong work ethic and a love of food. He expressed that his fondest memories were holidays and occasions with family gathered around a dining table, abundant with favorite dishes, “made by Mom.”

At a very young age, Ernie began working in the family business, Masso’s Market in Camden, New Jersey. When the market closed, he continued his lifelong dedication to the food industry, forming a devoted and enduring partnership with his younger brother, Vincent. Together, they proudly co-owned Masso’s Deli and Pizzeria and Masso’s Water Ice and Custard in Gibbsboro, New Jersey, businesses they operated for 35 years. Even in retirement, Ernie could not stay away from work. He returned to the industry at Arnie’s Gourmet Butcher Shop, where he reconnected with longtime customers from Masso’s Deli and formed many new friendships.

Though Ernie was raised with a deep respect for family and devoted his working life to the family food business, his true passions were found in his love for animals and nature.  No animal would be for lack of a loving and responsible home, if Ernie knew that they needed his care.  He had immense pride in his beautiful aquariums and spectacular garden which hosted many events with family and friends. Ernie‘s greatest joy was sharing these passions with his beloved life partner of 34 years, Pasquale “Pat” DiSanto.  Ernie and Pat shared their love of so many things together …art, travel, music, animals (especially their two Chow Chow dogs, Bonbon and Mushroom), and gardening, particularly, cultivating orchids.  They enjoyed collecting artifacts that reflected their interests and evoked many happy memories.  Ernie and Pat achieved many accolades and awards in landscape gardening and the creation of magnificent orchids.  They shared and enjoyed memberships with great pride in receiving awards from the South Jersey Pinelands, SE Pennsylvania, Greater Pennsylvania, and American Orchid Societies, and the South Jersey and Pennsylvania Horticultural Societies.  

Ernie truly loved his family and appreciated the companionship and loyalty of Pat’s family. He continued to share his passion for horticulture alongside his companion, Michael Dunigan. Ernie enjoyed spending time with his dear friend, Frank Mount, who also assisted Ernie in keeping his prized garden in pristine condition.  While Ernie held all his family, especially his two brothers, dear to his heart, he shared a particularly close relationship, filled with gratitude, with his nephew, Christopher, along with his wife, Annette.  

When asked how he would like to be remembered, he very humbly responded, “Remembered for what?”  His family, close friends, and all those who were fortunate to know him and have Ernie in their lives, would likely share many stories of kindness, thoughtfulness, consideration, and generosity …and if they knew him very well, would lovingly recall his unique gifts and recount his sarcastic wit.  If he loved you, he would rarely let you get away with anything. 

Ernie was thankful to the hospice caregivers who supported him with compassion, professionalism, and dignity. 

Ernie will be fondly remembered as the beloved partner of the late Pasquale “Pat” DiSanto, dear brother to Frank (Connie), Vincent (Donna), cherished Uncle to Anthony, Chris (Annette), Marc, Nicholas (Kerry), and Marisa (fiancé, Bret), and Great-Uncle to Anthony, Francesca, Isabella, Kayla, Leo, and Max.  

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Friday, January 23rd, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, at the Falco, Caruso, and Leonard Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road, Pennsauken, NJ, 08109, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM.  Entombment will follow at, Calvary Mausoleum, 2398 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ernie's name to either the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, 
Washington, D.C. 20090-1891 -OR- to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011