Ernest J Kellermann

ERNEST J. KELLERMANN, age 81 of Chagrin Falls passed away on February 5, 2025. Beloved husband of Maryann (nee Thomas) for 54 years; loving father of Steven (Victoria), Chad, and Casey (Alison); dearest grandfather Anna, Isaac, Oskar, Margot, Kylee, Kolten and Ashton Kellermann, Gabriel and Logan Norton, and Petey; dear brother of Paul (Vicky) Kellermann, Clare (late Jack) Harner, Audrey (Vince) Bailey and Lenny (Vivian) Kellermann. 

Friends and family will be received at ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 16381 CHILLICOTHE ROAD, CHAGRIN FALLS, OH 44023 ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 FROM 4 – 7 P.M. FOLLOWED BY MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH, 496 E. WASHINGTON STREET, CHAGRIN FALLS, OH 44022 AT 11 A.M.

Ernie Kellermann lived a rich life. He was a loving family man. He was a coach and mentor. He was a devout Christian, and his unwavering faith guided him through every aspect of his life. He shared his faith with his family, and he shared it with the rest of the world, indirectly, through his words and actions. 

 Ernie was known by fans in the Cleveland area for his years with the Browns. A gifted athlete from early on, he excelled in most sports he played. Kellermann, who grew up in Maple Heights, overcame modest size and means to orchestrate a remarkable sports career at every level. He played at Chanel High School, Miami (OH) University, and finally in the NFL (Browns, Bengals, Bills). He was a master technician with great fundamentals in all sports, but his passion for the game and fierce competitive nature were his trademarks. “A lot of my success was sheer determination to overachieve,” Ernie would say later on in life. 

 A three-year starter at quarterback for Miami (OH), he earned all MAC honors and was team MVP his junior and senior seasons. He orchestrated two of the biggest upsets in Miami football history, over nationally ranked Purdue and Northwestern. His college coach, Bo Schembechler said, “Ernie Kellermann is the best little quarterback in the country. I would not trade him for any other quarterback.” Bo went on to say, “Ernie was the one player who did the most to enhance my coaching career.”

 Ernie was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 12th round, as a defensive back – not quarterback. He was cut by Dallas, but then picked up by the Cleveland Browns where he played safety for 6 seasons, including one Pro Bowl year in 1969. Playing for his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns, was his boyhood dream come true! His final 2 professional seasons were with the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills. 

 Ernie’s dedication and love for athletics was surpassed only by that for his family and friends. One of his good friends described him as “a gentle, considerate man, yet also very strong and passionate when he believes in something. He also exhibited much humility, and he was not boastful in any way.“ Ernie and Maryann shared a love that most couples can only dream about. He shared his passion for sports with his 3 sons Steve, Chad, and Casey. Ernie was also a great disciple of the Lord and showed his sons through his actions how to be men of faith. He was very close to his siblings and was a great brother to his sisters and brothers. Later in life, he was a loving, caring, and mentoring grandpa to all his grandchildren. 

 Ernie was loved and respected by all. He had many friends and colleagues. Ernie possessed a social gift to gab, a dry witty sense of humor, and was ever the class clown, adding levity to many situations. He was also a thoughtful, reflective individual with a lot of integrity. Ernie left an extraordinary footprint on this planet, and he will be greatly missed. There was a poem he valued and shared with his family and friends, and frequently in talks he gave. A quote that helped and guided him through life………

                                       Man in the Glass

“When you get what you want in your struggle for self and the world makes you king for a day, then go to a mirror and ask yourself, and see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t mother’s, brother’s, or friends whose judgement you must pass, the fellows whose verdict counts most in your life is the guy staring back in the glass.

And as you go down life’s highway receiving pats on the back as you pass, your final reward will be heartache and tears if you’ve cheated that guy in the glass.”