Ernest O. Picken

Mr. Ernest O. Picken III, 58, of Derry, NH died Saturday July 10, 2010 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA following a battle with cancer. He was born on November 12, 1951 in New London, CT the son of the late Mary-Jane "Hazel" (Burnett) Picken and Ernest Picken of Groton CT. Ernest was a graduate of Fitch High school in Groton and continued his education at Thames Valley State Technical College. Mr. Picken graduated from the University of New Haven with his BS in electrical engineering. He moved to New Hampshire in 1976, living in Pelham. He moved to Derry in 2006. In his youth he played baseball and football. His little league team even made it to the little league world series. He earned the nickname Sweet Swinging Ernie. He continued to play baseball in college. He also played the trumpet in the high school band. Throughout his career he worked in the electrical test engineering field for several companies. Mr. Picken was a parishioner of St. Pius Church, where he was the director of music ministry for the 6:00PM Mass on Sundays. He worked as a music leader and lay evangelist in several parishes. Mr. Picken has been involved with the church ministry since in mid 1970's. He was director of music ministry at the Diocesan Pentecost Vigil at Ste. Marie's Parish in Manchester. Besides his father, he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jacqueline (Bonomini) Picken of Derry, NH; son, Jonathan David Picken of Derry; daughter, Jessica-Lynne Marie Picken of Derry; two brothers, Paul Picken of Ledyard, CT and Chad Picken of Westerly, RI; 3 sisters, Vivian Crowley of Pawcatuck, CT, Beverly Picken of Groton, CT and Elise Wagner of Groton, CT and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Ste. Marie Church, 378 Notre Dame Ave, Manchester on Thursday at 11:00AM. His Calling Hour will be held in the church from 9 to 11AM.