Every day, students laugh and share smiles throughout the day. Everyone shares unique experiences; one may have accidentally stumbled upon the wrong room, or one may have laughed a little too loudly. This feeling of glee can be shared throughout the building with everyone, including the school aides, teachers, and staff. In the heart of Fort Hamilton, in the heart of the school cafeteria, providing comfort and inspiring laughter in everyone he met, was our school aide, Ernie.
On March 20, 2024, our beloved staff member, Ernani (Ernie) Montagna, passed away unexpectedly. Originally from Italy, he had found his way into the Fort Hamilton community, joining the cafeteria staff in 2016, “gating” Exit 18. He always greeted students with a warm hug, cracking jokes, wearing cheerful smiles, and singing “Feliz Navidad.” It was clear that he was young at heart; he always had a Christmas hat on and counted down the days until Christmas, and he was always excited to put on a small prank.
Ernie interacted with many people throughout the day, ushering students trying to sneak into the cafeteria or engaging students in a light or heavy conversation. Every day, you would find him by the small desk right by the Exit 18 door. He was known for being a great person with a big heart. With his friendliness and compassion, he was often called the “Battalions Grandfather” by JROTC cadets, who would frequently interact with him. Whenever students were visibly upset, he would provide a shoulder for students to cry on or an ear for any concern.
Sophomore cadet Eleanor Arbeeny told The Pilot that Ernie’s words of wisdom left an imprint on how she thinks.
“Every time it was Friday, I would always be like, ‘Thank God it’s Friday,’ and Ernie said once, ‘Isn’t that a sad life that you’re always wishing for it to be over.’ I think about that a lot each time I say it,” she said.
Ernie’s words of wisdom lingered with many other students as well. “I’ll never forget how I’ll come all depressed, and Ernie will say, ‘Don’t be because you woke up this morning,’” said sophomore cadet Trinitee Browne.
Ernie would be seen as a positive and motivating force for students throughout the day, always knowing what to say when they were down.
“I remember visiting Fort and just talking and telling Ernie all the crazy and funny stories I experienced. I really loved Ernie; he was there for me even when I felt like my parents weren’t,” said Fort Hamilton alumna Meghan Mo, who graduated in 2023.
Ernie would even agree to do silly things with students to make them smile. “The time that we matched outfits, and I didn’t think that he’d go through with it or remember, but he did,” said Arbeeny. “It showed how much he cared about our friendship.”
Today, the seat that belonged to Ernie remains in its rightful place, down by the cafeteria, placed right next to Exit 18. Even though Ernie has passed, his memory will stay in Fort Hamilton’s heart. Today, notes are placed near Exit 18 that are shaped into a heart that is filled with loving memories and messages dedicated to Ernie. Of course, Ernie’s name is also printed in Post-It notes above his chair, signifying his permanent place in Fort Hamilton.
