Rev. Msgr. Ernest E. Pizzamiglio

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Reverend Monsignor Ernest E. Pizzamiglio, Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 10:03 p.m. at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.

Msgr. Ernie was born the son of Ernest A. and Eleanor (Wittkopp) Pizzamiglio in Chicago, Illinois on November 5, 1933. He grew up in Spring Valley and attended Hall High School. He served in the US Air Force from January 9, 1952 until he was honorably discharged on December 19, 1955. He was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 22, 1966. During his 52 years of holy dedication, Msgr. Ernie served as an Assistant at Holy Family in Peoria, Holy Cross in Champaign, Visitation in Kewanee, St. John’s Parish in Galva. He was appointed Vicar, of the Kewanee Vicariate in 1974. He went on to pastor St. Patrick Church in Elkhart, St. Thomas in Mt. Pulaski, and St. John in Middletown. He later served at St. Mary in DePue, St. Edward in Chillicothe, eventually coming to Galesburg to pastor Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in 1990. At that time he was named Vicar of the Monmouth Vicariate. While remaining Pastor at IHM, he was named pastor at St. Aloysius in Wataga and was named Chaplain to His Holiness in 2009. After serving the Galesburg area for 28 years, Monsignor went on Senior Status in 2018. He remained a beloved member of the Galesburg community living here until his last day.

Msgr. Ernie is survived by his beloved family, one nephew, John (Gerlyn) Koehler of Oglesby, Illinois; three nieces, Sandra (Dale) Koehler-Boyce of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Linda (R.J.) Whitecotton of Oglesby, Beth (Will) Perkins of Clinton, Iowa; five great nephews, Steven (Michelle) Koehler, Luke (Kelly) Whitecotton, Ryan (Beth) Whitecotton, Jonathon Perkins and Joshua Perkins; three great nieces, Gretchen (James) Schaefer, Lindsay (Schuyler) Rossi, and Briana (Robert) Perkins; and twelve great nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Msgr. Ernie was preceded in death by his sister Lois Koehler on October 13, 2010 and his brother-in-law, George Koehler, who died on August 26, 1993. Msgr. always gave George credit for bringing him to the faith and instilling in him a great love for Mary.

Msgr. was a longtime member of the American Legion, loved music and was an accomplished drummer in his younger years. As a veteran he was honored to go on the honor flight to Washington D.C. Msgr. Ernie was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus serving for many years as the Faithful Friar.

The rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Galesburg with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Thursday, April 3, 2025 with the funeral mass following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Spring Valley, Illinois, Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish or to a charity of the donor’s choosing. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.