Ernest Dale Anderson

Ernest Dale Anderson, Jr., 64, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, in Morgantown. He was born February 18, 1962, in Steubenville, Ohio, son of Yvonne Anderson and the late Ernest D. Anderson, Sr.

He was a 1981 graduate of Brooke High School where he was a four-year letterman in football and track. He was later inducted into the Brooke High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He earned a full athletic scholarship to WVU football and played for Coach Don Nehlen from 1981-84. He was a first-generation college graduate, with a degree in Sport Management from WVU in 1985.

A serial entrepreneur, he opened several businesses including three Auntie Anne’s pretzel stores starting in 1992. In 2008, he realized his dream of building and opening a sports-themed restaurant, The Varsity Club.

For those who were fortunate enough to be in Ernie’s sphere, they will remember these things most about him:

He had a passion for food and the experience people shared enjoying good meals. Over the years, he also became a mentor and father figure to many employees, many of whom have kept in touch with him over the years.

His love of cooking, often trying new recipes and making large portions that needed to be shared with family, friends or anyone who would take a dish!

His ability to offer guidance, both athletically and personally, enabled many to help meet their challenges and succeed.

His unique ability to build and fix almost anything, whether building a wooden sandbox for his grandchildren in Morgantown or a repairing a busted e-bike brake for the California crew.

His eclectic and diverse love of music. Often, if Ernie was a passenger in a car with you, he took control of the music, and you left with a whole new genre and playlist to appreciate.

His passion for learning about and understanding history by listening to audiobooks daily and watching countless documentaries.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his in-laws Charles and Catherine Cipoletti and his brother-in-law Jim Lilly.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Bonnie Cipoletti Anderson, whom he adored; his son Maxwell (Nancy) Anderson and grandchildren Mackenzie (11), Leo (9) and Paisley (3), his daughter Abigail (Tyler) Hostetler and grandchildren Zoe (9), Bella (7), Cade (5) and Lennon (3). He is also survived by his older sister Christine Lilly and by his younger siblings Garren Anderson, Betty (Chuck) Bowland and John Mark Anderson, and by his brother-in-law Bryan (Cindy) Cipoletti. Many nieces, nephews and close friends, who felt like family, completed his inner circle.

The last 11 years of his life, the thing that brought him the most joy was simply being around his grandchildren and watching them grow up and experience life. He made it a top priority to be a part of their lives, creating unique experiences and connecting with them in memorable ways.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home.

A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at the Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown, WV on Monday, November 23, beginning at 4:30 with brief remarks by the family at 6:00. A casual reception will follow.

Send Condolences online at hastingsfuneralhome.com