Ernest R. Preston Jr. ’53

Ernie died of pancreatic cancer on July 22, 2002, in Akron, Ohio.

Coming to Princeton from the Choate School, Ernie focused his studies on foreign affairs and was a graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School. A mainstay on the soccer teams for four years, he chaired the Last Blast, worked on the campus fund and class memorial drives, and was on the class day committee. He was a member of Cottage and the Right Wing Clubs.

He married Jean Bender five days after graduation. Following Navy duty, he returned to Akron and became owner and CEO of Jaite Packaging Co. A resident of Naples, Fla., he championed many charitable causes in both cities. A tragic loss occurred in 1986 when son Edward '83 died in a helicopter crash.

Although in failing health, Ernie made it back to Reunions in May to see many friends for the last time. A friend put it well when he said Ernie was intense, vivacious, smart, loved life and Princeton. At his funeral, the organ prelude was "Going Back to Nassau Hall." John Hinchman and John Baay attended the service. Besides Jean, Ernie leaves daughters Lisa Bertles and Page Growney, son Ernest III, and 10 grandchildren to cherish his memory.

The Class of 1953