WATERVILLE, Pa. – Ernest Franklin Shufelt was born June 16, 1949, in Saco, Maine: the rambunctious son of Clyde Franklin Shufelt (1910-1970) and Della Althea Smith (1920-1995). He pursued his passions until the moment he died, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Waterville, Pa.

He was comical, hard-working, well-loved, amiable, smart and always there to lend a hand. Graduating from Sanford High School in Sanford, Maine, he was a State Wrestling Champion. Professionally, he began his career in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard apprenticeship program. After a stint as an Army mechanic in Germany during the Vietnam era, he returned to PNS and trained in contract support which began his career as contracts specialist for the Navy at SUPSHIP, Bath Iron Works. His decisions were integral to the successful awarding of Arleigh Burke Class and Zumwalt Class Destroyers to be Maine-built. Being largely self-taught and having no college degree it gave him great pride and a strong belief in the value of education. Retirement from SUPSHIP resulted in a job with Sayres, a defense support service, as production manager.

One of Ernie’s passions was hunting with his buddies and son at the Texas and Blockhouse Fish and Game Club in Pennsylvania. In his 70s, Ernie became a Guide with U.S. Rafting in West Forks, Maine.

Predeceased by his parents and beloved older brother Boyd Hambleton, Ernie leaves

behind a host of loved ones; daughter Sheila Wells and her husband, Jeffrey Wells, II. Son Eric Shufelt and his wife Keira. Grandchildren Jonah and Jaden Wells and Ella and Hudson Shufelt. Longtime girlfriend, Jenny Morrison and her family Tom, Andrew and Johanna. Sister Valerie Fecteau and sister-in-law Elaine Hambleton and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be scheduled at Highland Cemetery in Limerick, Maine in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the West Forks Fire Department or the West Forks Fish and Game Club where

he was president.

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