GREENFIELD — Ernest E. Belmore Sr., 75, a long-time resident of Greenfield, died suddenly on May 23, 2010 at Monadnock Community Hospital, in Peterborough.

He was born in Peterborough on Jan. 21, 1935, the oldest son of the late Joseph A. and Clare (Waldecker) Belmore.

Mr. Belmore resided in Greenfield for most of his life and had lived in Milford, where he owned Belmore Auto Sales, for 20 years.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, served in the Korean War and was a member of Ricciardi Hartshorn Post No. 23, American Legion, Milford and Post No. 59, American Legion, Hillsborough.

He enjoyed snowmobiling and sailing, was an avid car enthusiast and instilled a deep love for the outdoors in all of his children. His favorite times were spent surrounded by family and friends telling stories; he had the gift of gab and laughed heartily and easily for hours on end with anyone who happened to cross his path. He will be sorely missed by many and is gone much, much too soon.

Family members include his wife of 51 years, Beverley (Champagne) Belmore of Greenfield; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberley and Bryan Bates of Milford, Michele Belmore and Kevin Hively of Salt Lake City, Utah; two sons, Ernest E. Belmore Jr. and his partner, Megan Estep, of Dallas, Texas, and Ray Belmore of Greenfield; seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Victoria, Elkanah, Amber, Ernest III, Emma and Juliana; two sisters, Joan Belmore of Kensington, Conn., and Adele Hale of Greenfield; two brothers, Moe Belmore of Greenfield and Norman Belmore of Texas; many nieces and nephews.

There are no visiting hours. Burial with military honors will be Friday at 1 p.m. in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oak Park, 791 Forest Road, Greenfield. Please come share your memories and stories.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern New England Chapter, 114 Perimeter Road, Unit G & H, Nashua 03063.

Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.