Ainslee R Ferdie

July 18, 1930 — March 27, 2026

Ainslee R. Ferdie, a distinguished attorney, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and longtime resident of Coral Gables, Florida, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and civic dedication.

Ainslee’s life was defined by a relentless work ethic and a profound commitment to the rule of law and the protection of his fellow veterans. A veteran of the Korean War, Ainslee’s military service (1954–1956) profoundly shaped his worldview. This commitment found its greatest expression through his leadership within the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA where he rose to serve as National Commander, and as an active member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was equally dedicated to history, serving as President of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C. There, he ensured that the contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation’s defense were honored and documented.

Ainslee was a long-standing presence in the Florida legal community, practicing for over 60 years. A 1954 graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, his professional accolades were numerous and included; President of the Coral Gables Bar Association, Associate Judge of West Miami and Traffic Magistrate for Dade County, certified mediator, and charter director and former President of the Florida Lawyers Legal Insurance Corp.

Outside of the courtroom, Ainslee was a man of diverse and passionate interests. He was a seasoned traveler who explored the world, always eager to experience new cultures and histories. He was a frequent attendee of the Florida Grand Opera, where he found great joy in the beauty of the performances. Ainslee was also an avid stamp collector, a hobby that reflected his meticulous nature and his deep appreciation for history and global connectivity. You could often find him with a book, where he was an enthusiastic reader of both fiction and non-fiction. A longtime Freemason, he lived by the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Ainslee was proud of his Jewish culture and identity and was active in his Congregations.

Ainslee was a devoted family man whose strength and wisdom served as the foundation for his loved ones. He is survived by his beloved wife, Roslyn Ferdie, with whom he was married to for 63 years; his children, Marshall Ferdie, Meredith Muth and Deborah Straus; his son-in laws Marc Straus and Daniel Muth, and his cherished grandchildren, Jordan Straus, Idan Straus, Jeffrey Muth, and Hannah Muth.

Ainslee’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence persists in the standards of practice he championed, the history he fought to preserve, and with his family that loved him dearly.

Donations may be made in Ainslee's honor to the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (https://nmajmh.org/support-the-museum/) or the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David (https://www.centerbd.org/).