BOLLA, Ernest W. "Ernie" 94, of Springfield, died on December 1, 2016. He was born on May 25, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of the late Albert G. and Emma (Pavella) Bolla. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Patricia "Pat" Bolla. Ernie was a graduate of Wittenberg University where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and came through the Army cadet training program there. He served in the Army as a helicopter pilot for a M.A.S.H. unit during the Korean War. He continued in the Army Reserves after his service and attained the rank of Captain. He was employed as a mechanical engineer by International Harvester and then Navistar. He was very active in the community. Ernie was a longtime member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, leader in the Boy Scout program, volunteer with the Red Cross, Mercy Hospital, the Kuss Center, the Clark County Historical Society Heritage Center, and a supporter of the Springfield Museum of Art. He participated in Civil War reenactments with the 44th O.V.I. led by Norman Carey. He worked for SCORE after his retirement from IH. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge and the Kiwanis. He enjoyed traveling around the world and visited most of the countries in the world. Ernie is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Emily (Bolla) and Anthony Coppola, son and daughter-in-law, William and Kim (Harrison) Bolla, sister-in-law, Marybeth Bolla, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Ernie was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Private services will be held. Donations can be made to Wittenberg University or the Clark County Historical Society Heritage Center. You may express condolences at www.littletonandrue.com.