ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Hobart Hall of Famer Ernest Lisi '58, a former football All-American and a lacrosse midfielder for the Statesmen, passed away on July 10. He was 95 years old.
 
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, July 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the Profetta Funeral Chapel, 1650 Empire Blvd. Ernie's funeral service will be celebrated Saturday, July 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Hobart Lacrosse. Gifts can be mailed to Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Attn: Wendy Barnhart, Hobart Lacrosse, 300 Pulteney Street, Geneva, NY 14456. Memorial gifts can also be made online.
 
A native of Geneva, Lisi was a captain for the Geneva High School football and track and field teams. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for four years, including time in Korea.
 
A backup fullback as a first-year, Lisi switched position, making his mark on the offensive line and as a linebacker. Head Coach Eddie Tryon told the Geneva Times in 1957 that Lisi was "the best defensive linebacker we've ever had." Lisi earned honorable mention Little All-America recognition that year.
 
Lisi and his classmates led Hobart football to a four-year record of 27-2-1. Both the 1954 and 1957 teams went undefeated and were recognized as Hobart Teams of Distinction in 2006.
 
A career educator, Lisi taught math in the Irondequoit School District until retiring. He is also widely recognized as the father of Irondequoit lacrosse. As the head coach of the Eagles from 1961 to 1977, Lisi compiled a record of 211-19, winning 22 championships. He earned several coach of the year awards during his career, and in 1984, he was named the National Secondary Schools' Man of the Year by the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Association.
 
In 1992, Lisi was inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Rochester Chapter Hall of Fame as well as the Geneva Sports Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was inducted into the Frontier Field Walk of Fame. Lisi joined the Hobart Hall of Fame with the Class of 2014 and the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame with the Class of 2020.
 
Lisi is survived by his brother William (Bill), grandson Michael Barringer (Kali), stepdaughter Kim Deschambault (Joe), grandson Joey Deschambault, great grandchildren, Mia, Jayce, Cole, Carter, Danika, Taylor Barringer and Oaklyn Deschambault, great great granddaughter Adalyn and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Additionally, he is survived by his companion of many years, Mary Alice Simone.