Ernest R. Giese, 78, of Avondale, formerly of Philadelphia, died early Wednesday morning, June 13, in Avondale. He was the devoted husband of the late Edith A. Giese, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.
Born on Nov. 21, 1939, in Philadelphia, Ernie was the son of Ernest and Matilda Giese (Sefcik).
Ernie graduated from Central High School in 1957, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Albright College in 1961, and a Master of Science degree in education from Temple University in 1964.
Ernie was fluent in sign language and a teacher of deaf and hearing impaired adolescents for over 40 years. During the summer months, he was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Ernie’ at the Episcopal Academy Day Camp in Merion, Pennsylvania, where he specialized as a camp craft and boy’s group counselor for 40 years.
A longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Germantown, Ernie enjoyed playing a good game of tennis and cards and lulling his children to sleep with his idiosyncratic renderings of Chopin’s preludes and etudes. He loved the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, where he introduced two generations of youngsters into the art and spirit of fishing, canoeing, and mountain climbing. His good nature put everyone around him at ease; he was quick with a smile and always ready to lend a hand.
Survivors include his son, Ken Giese and partner Cecille Cabigon of Glenside; his daughter, Laura Judd and husband Christopher Judd of Avondale; three grandchildren, Maxwell, Nathan and Emily; and sister Roberta Perini of Cinnaminson, N.J.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held for Ernie at the Auburn Heights Preserve on Saturday, June 30 at 1 pm. All are welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for those who were touched by Ernie’s life to share their memories. The Preserve is located at 3000 Creek Road in Yorklyn, Delaware 19736. For GPS purposes, 3000 Creek Road, Hockessin, DE 19707 is a suitable alternative address.
A memorial service celebrating Ernie’s life is being planned and an announcement will be posted here in the near future.
Contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (email: adirondacks@tnc.org; address: PO Box 65, Keene Valley, NY 12943).
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