Ernest Angino Obituary

Ernest (Ernie) Edward Angino

Ernie died February 19th, 2026, at home from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was born February 16, 1932, in Winsted, Connecticut, to Alfred Giovonni and Filomena Mabel (Serluco) Angino. He was proud of his Italian heritage and the lessons his immigrant parents instilled in him. Namely, to listen deeply, to be non-judgmental, to act with honesty and integrity, treat people with respect, to take responsibility for your actions, and to make a positive impact. But also the little things - chores and household responsibilities. His mother always told him and his brother that "The Good Lord did not give me a daughter so you boys will need to learn the ropes."

He married his "girlfriend" and love of his life, Margaret Lachat, on June 26th,1954 in Winsted, Connecticut.

He earned a B.S. in Mining Engineering from Lehigh University in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps (Korean War Veteran). Following his discharge from the Army, he and Margaret moved to Lawrence where he earned an M.S. in Geology in 1958, and a PhD in Geology in 1961 from the University of Kansas. Following his graduation from the University of Kansas, he became an Instructor of Geochemistry at KU in 1961. In 1962, he left the University of Kansas to become an Assistant Professor of Geochemistry at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. In the summer of 1963, Ernie was a visiting fellow in radiation science at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Ernie and Margaret returned to Lawrence in 1965 where Ernie became Geochemistry Section Chief at the Kansas Geological Survey and simultaneously held a part-time appointment as Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas. He served as the Associate Director and Associate State Geologist at the Kansas State Geological Survey from 1970 to 1972. In 1972, he became Chairman of the Department of Geology at the University of Kansas, serving in this role until 1986. Ernie served as a Professor in the Department of Geology from 1972 until his retirement in 1999. His favorite saying about being a good professor was, "The best thing you can do for a student is to listen, suggest, and get the hell out of their way!" Even after retirement, he always remained "the professor," naturally teaching and encouraging conversation with everyone in his life.

While working towards his PhD, he participated in a research expedition to Antarctica, which would spark a lifelong passion. Ernie was involved in Antarctic Research from 1958 until his death. In 1969, he was awarded the Department of Defense Antarctic Service Medal for Antarctic Research. And in 1978, he was a visiting scholar at Scott Polar Research Institute of Cambridge University, Cambridge, England. A mountain range, "Angino Buttress" in Antarctica was named after him in honor of his many polar studies and investigations. Ernie's contributions to science and research have been recognized in American Men & Women of Science, Who's Who in America, Leaders in American Science, Leaders in American Education, International Biography, and Who's Who in Technology.

Throughout his career, he authored over 125 research papers and several books. He visited Russia five times, as well as Africa, Australia, Europe, and Asia in his scholarly travels. He also served on numerous local, state, and national boards and committees. From 1983 to 1987, he served on the Lawrence City Commission and was Mayor of Lawrence from 1984 to 1985. He was the Club Founder of the Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club.

Though Ernie had many professional accomplishments and accolades, he was a rare mix of immense talent and profound humility. He was genuinely humble, treating everyone with equal respect regardless of status. His world travels showed him much suffering around the world and this deeply impacted his belief that all people deserved equal respect and care. He did not understand why the world seems to be becoming so polarized and why civility and compassion for others is disappearing; he worried for his grandchildren's future. Ernie never confused a differing opinion as anything more than that; he might disagree with you 100%, but it was never a statement on your character; you simply did not agree. He was warm-hearted, authentic, and truly down to earth. He had more friends than anyone we know and there is no doubt he was loved and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Margaret, in July 2023, and his brother, Donald, in 2008. He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl "Sherry" (and husband Gregg) Holcomb; Kimberly (and husband Norman) Jennings; as well as his grandchildren Margaret "Maggie" (and husband Michael) Fonkert, Christopher (and wife Dhwani Vani) Jennings, and Benjamin Jennings; and great-grandchild James Fonkert.

Ernie specifically requested no formal service but requested friends and acquaintances remember him by practicing kindness and generosity. Raise a glass, toast a memory, pick up a beautiful rock, enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, love your family. His favorite prayer was the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi; he embodied these sentiments. Ernie often commented that we all come into this world and leave this world with the same thing – nothing. The riches you bestow on this earth are the lives you touch and the things you do for others. In this regard, Ernie was the richest man we know.

The family extends special gratitude to the caregivers of Keep Living at Home (KLAH) and Ascend Hospice for the compassion, care, and comfort they provided during his final journey.

The family suggests monetary memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 15th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66044. Keep Living at Home (KLAH) provided loving care for both Ernie and Margaret. They are in need of Medical Supplies and Equipment; donations of these items in honor of Ernie can be delivered to KLAH 3017 W 6th Street STEB.