FARMINGTON – Ernest J. Czako, 81, of Jay, died Monday, Jan. 24, at Sandy River Center for Health Care in Farmington.

He was born Dec. 3, 1923, in Norwalk, Conn., a son of Stephen and Margaret (Szalai) Czako.

As a boy soprano, he sang at many weddings and various functions. Maturing into a top tenor, he studied with Henrietta Wakefield, Olaf Olsen, and Rocco Ponduccio. He appeared in several plays at Theater in the Woods, and the Paper Mill Playhouse. He also sang in several Broadway shows, High Button Shoes, Student Prince, and Merry Widow.

He was a photographer for famous artist schools, then a civilian photographer for the city of Norwalk Police Department, before retiring to Maine in 1991. He loved all music, especially opera. He loved to paint, cook and bake bread.

He is survived by his wife of more than 47 years, Margaret “Peggy” D. Czako, of Jay; a stepdaughter, Sandra Mann of Virginia; and two granddaughters, Vicki, and Jasmine of Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a son-in-law, David Mann; and a sister, Jolan Fodor.