Obituary of Ernesto Gugliara

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Ernesto Gugliara, age 85, who left us on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, surrounded by family at home in Staten Island, New York after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.  

Ernesto was born in Gela, Italy to Salvatore and Lucia on February 2nd, 1940. He was a star athlete competing and breaking records in the triathlon, 400m run, and shot put. However, Ernesto will be most known for his playing career in soccer. After performing at a high level in Sicily, he was invited to Milan, Italy to try out for the storied franchise: AC Milan. After making the team, an injury halted his career and that is where the scene of the story jumps to the United States.

Ernesto came to New York to see the World's Fair. He ended up deciding to stay. He later played in the NYC Soccer League and captained the Ridgewood (Queens) Soccer Club. He also worked long hours as a tailor and salesman at Lerner's. 

He eventually started his own business as a custom designer and tailor where he made suits by hand. He curated and produced his own fashion show at Monte Bianco in Staten Island where his designs and creations were displayed on the runway. He later became the head tailor for both Brioni and Stefano Ricci in New York City and was asked to travel to Italy and Russia to help train other tailors in the company. In his free time, he was an avid fisherman, loved to cook and was completely obsessed with his garden in the backyard where he grew basil, tomatoes, and his prized "cucuzza" (Sicilian word for squash).

Ernesto was always known as the best dressed man in the room.  If it was dinner, church on Sunday, sporting event, walk around the block, it did not matter.  He always made sure he represented himself in the best possible way with a neatly pressed suit, a beautiful tie, and a handkerchief to match. 

Ernesto also coached youth soccer for 17 years and won many championships. His players loved him, but he was a no-nonsense coach. His practices were much harder than the games. With his extensive background and knowledge for soccer, he knew how to get his teams ready. In the end, he made his players into hard working and respectful young men. 

However, nothing mattered more to Ernesto than spending time with his "famiglia". Growing up as the youngest of nine children, he was always surrounded by family and he made sure that tradition carried over when he had a family of his own.

Ernesto is survived by his wife Catherine of 54 years whose love for each other grew stronger every day. In addition, his sister Teresa, son Salvatore and wife Sherri, daughter Lucia, daughter Catherine and husband Bobby, brother-in-law Rick and wife Lynn, sister-in-law Rosemarie, his ten grandchildren Katherine, Bobby, Jack, Ava, Noelle, Karina, Matthew, Juliette, Sienna, and James plus his many nieces, nephews, and friends that will cherish his memory.

Throughout his illness, Ernesto showed extraordinary strength, positivity and grace, never allowing his circumstances to diminish his spirit or the love he gave to others. His kindness, bravery and humor will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Visitation will be held at Matthew Funeral Home at 2508 Victory Blvd in Staten Island, NY on January 21st from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Pity RC Church at 1616 Richmond Ave in Staten Island NY on January 22nd at 11:00 A