9-21-2026 11:04pm

Local Reporter,

Jeff Barto Editor

Ernest William "Ernie" Accorsi Jr.

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Sep. 24, 2026

12:00 p.m.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church

Ernest Accorsi Obituary

Ernest William "Ernie" Accorsi Jr., a longtime National Football League executive, respected sports journalist, and devoted father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on October 29, 1941, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Ernie's lifelong passion for sports and storytelling was rooted in his childhood, spent listening to Yankees baseball games on the radio and watching the Philadelphia Eagles during summer training camp in Hershey.

A talented youth baseball player and avid golfer, Ernie graduated from Wake Forest University in 1963 with a degree in journalism. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army before embarking on a career as a sports reporter for The Charlotte News, The Baltimore Sun, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

His roots in journalism and early sports publicity roles at Saint Joseph's University and Penn State University forged a deep, lifelong respect for the press-laying the groundwork for what would become a legendary career in professional football.

Ernie entered the NFL in 1970 as the Public Relations Director for the Baltimore Colts before joining Commissioner Pete Rozelle's staff at the league office in 1975. He returned to Baltimore in 1977 as Assistant General Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 1982.

In 1985, Ernie was named Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Cleveland Browns. Over seven seasons, he built one of the most competitive teams of the era. He orchestrated the historic 1985 supplemental draft selection of quarterback Bernie Kosar and guided the franchise to five playoff appearances and three AFC Championship Game berths.

Ernie joined the New York Giants in 1994, succeeding George Young as General Manager in 1998, a position he held until his retirement following the 2006 season. During his tenure in New York, his defining executive move came during the 2004 NFL Draft, when he executed a blockbuster first-overall trade for Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning. Ernie's foresight and draft successes-which included selecting cornerstone stars like Osi Umenyiora, Chris Snee, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Brandon Jacobs-laid the bedrock for two Giants Super Bowl victories in 2008 and 2012.

Working for the New York Giants was the realization of a dream Ernie had carried since boyhood. Beyond the success on the field, the bonds he forged created a lasting extended family. The entire Mara family, especially Wellington and John, team trainer Ronnie Barnes, and the many staff members and players who proudly wore Giants blue remained a cherished part of his life long after his retirement.

Beyond his professional legacy, Ernie was an exceptionally devoted and loving father and grandfather. During his retirement years in Hershey, Pennsylvania, his days were defined by his personal interests he held dear: baseball, history, good Italian food and wine, and quiet walks with his dog, Mickey. His trademark competitive edge remained as sharp as ever every time he stepped onto the golf courses in Hershey.

He is survived by his three children: Michael; Sherlyn, her husband, Geoff DiPaolo; and Patrick, his husband, David Cunningham; as well as his cherished granddaughter, Alexandra.

A Memorial Service for Ernie will be celebrated on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 12:00pm at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernie's memory to; Ed Block Courage Foundation of Timonium, Maryland, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY or New York Pet Rescue, Harrison, NY. Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory in Hershey, PA is handling arrangements. Share condolences at hooverfuneralhome.com.