Ernest F. Friedlander

Ernest F. Friedlander, age 91, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the home of his daughter, Debbi, in Amherst, MA, where he had been living for the past year. He appreciated having a long and joyful life full of family, meaningful friendships, travel and success in the business world. He met his future bride, Eleanor Goldberg, at age 13. They courted all through high school and college and married after he graduated from Cornell, and she from Syracuse, in 1954. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War (1954 –‘56) never leaving the US nor jumping out of a plane. He graduated Harvard Business School (1960) where he found his true passion, helping businesses creatively solve financial issues. Together with his brother Robert and father George, they founded Exeter Int’l Corp. Other companies that sought Exeter’s expertise were Whiting’s Milk Company, Capezio, First Phone, Evergreen Valley, Barton’s Chocolate and Polly Bergen cosmetics.

Ernie enjoyed golf, squash, skiing, playing bridge and solving crosswords. He was a dad who took time to be with his kids, going on bike rides and playing basketball and catch in the front yard. He encouraged all of their explorations, Debbi’s art, music and teaching, David’s golf and business acumen, and Jamie’s flute playing and success in the banking world. He wanted his children to be well-rounded so they could enjoy life as much as he did. He had so many interests!

He loved reading and cared deeply about the world, politics and the economy. He was a listener and loved hearing stories about others’ adventures. His comments, dry, witty and humorous, showed that he listened deeply. He was known for his perfectly timed one-liners that caught people off guard and made them smile.

In addition to his three children, Ernest leaves the Friedlander grandchildren, Stephen & wife Stephanie, Eric & wife Lyndsay, Joshua and Maisha, and three great-grandchildren, Kaya, Donovan and Kinnon. He will be remembered along with his parents, George and Daisy, brother Robert, wife Eleanor, and long-time partner Nancy Sklar.

Graveside services will be held at Temple Emeth Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury on Thursday, July 11 at 10:00am.

Reception/Shiva following in the function room at 280 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to The Daisy H. Friedlander Charitable Foundation, 98 Yale St., Portland, ME 04103.