Ernest Arthur Washburn Jr., 81, went to be with the Lord on Friday, 26 June 2020. He was born in Jamestown, NY to the late Rev. Ernest A. and Anna M. Washburn. He was a decedent of the Washburns of Old Bridgewater, MA and as such was a son of the Mayflower. He was also predeceased by sister Elizabeth May Brown, brother James David Washburn, and fiancée Bobby Bonawitz.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Rochester, and a Masters in Business Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. For many years, he was employed by General Railway Signal of Rochester, where he designed control systems for railways and public transit systems including Washington Metro, Metro Atlanta, and Massachusetts Bay Transport.
He was an avid sailor on Lake Ontario for many years, and was member and rear commodore of the Pultneyville Yacht Club. He was also extensively involved in multiple community theatre groups in the Rochester area in scenery construction, fly rigging, and tech. He served as membership secretary for Pittsford Musicals for many years.
He is survived by his sister, Anne Marie Barnes (William) of Richmond VA, and son William Arthur Washburn (Shirley) of Virginia Beach, VA. Extended family includes three nieces, three nephews, three step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. He was laid to rest in White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY next to his fiancée on July 1st.
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14 responses to “Washburn, Ernest A. Jr.”
Our family knew Ernie, his son William and his fiance Bobbi very well from being members of Pultneyville Yacht Club, in addition to being the Rear Commodore of the club, Ernie used his electrical engineering knowledge to design, install and maintain the club electrical system for many years. He was a great guy and we are very sorry for your loss.
Ernie was the very first person I met when I joined Pittsford Musicals. I was wandering rather aimlessly and came up to help me. We became good friends and had many interesting conversations He loved to talk about his time working on th MBT because he knew I went to school in Boston. He patiently helped me learn to use tools to build sets. He was definitely a good person. So sorry for your loss
I am very sorry for your loss. Ernie had such a good heart. I knew Ernie and Bobbi from Pittsford Musicals. Ernie was always willing to lend a hand and he was such a hard worker for PM! I’ll never forget him.
Ernie was my friend, even despite months and years passing between our seeing each other. I knew Ernie from Pittsford Musicals where he put his engineering and mathematical mind to good use in helping the group with finances and ticket sales. I’ll miss our chance meetings at Wegmans in the produce department. I will remember him fondly.
So sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. I so enjoyed working with him at Pittsford Musicals and have missed having chats with him when we’d run into each other at Pittsford Wegmans. It’s always so sad to lose someone and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I will hold onto all the good memories of Ernie.
What a great guy Ernie was. I can remember working on something for Pittsford Musicals with him and he was so easy to talk with, creative and steady in his thought process, gentle and kind. He was always willing to lend a hand to help out. I will always keep positive memories of him and will see his smiling face in my minds eye.
We are so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Ernie from my Pittsford Musicals days. He was a dependable volunteer and was always willing to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand. Rest easy, Ernie.
Ernie was a pillar of Pittsford Musicals always standing ready to move a piano, unlock a door, update a mailing list. He did it all and without being asked. He was kind to all and was truly a part of the PM family. While health and distance diminished our regular interactions he will always be part of the legacy. I will also miss running into him at Wegmans; just a kind soul. I am so sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed working with Ernie. I loved his smile, laugh and zest for life. His passion. For Pittsford musicals was contagious. A prince of a man, he will be missed.
Ernie was always “there” when a need arose. He was gifted in multiple ways and found a way to share his expertise at any time. We always enjoyed meeting him for a chat at WEGMANS. Our blessings to the family.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I knew Ernie and Bobbi from Pittsford Musicals,Inc. While I have not seen Ernie in quite a while, he was instrumental in the functioning of Pittsford Musicals when I was involved and always there to lend a hand in whatever needed to be done. So nice and someone you could always count on. He will be missed.
Ernie was a wonderful asset to Pittsford musicals and someone you could always count on. He was so devoted to Bobbi. Hopefully now they are together in peace. You will be missed Ernie.
Ernie has a special place in my heart. He was so helpful to many of us in Pittsford Musicals. He was always ready at a moment’s notice to oblige a request of mine. He had Pittsford Musicals at the top of his “to do” list. I recall a specific illustration that when there was an electric outage during a dress rehearsal/performance, it was Ernie who solved the problem. Bless his heart. He will always be remembered.for his dedication to this organization.
I’m so sorry to hear about Ernie’s passing. I have many fond memories of doing community theatre shows with him throughout the years. Hold your memories close and he will be with you.