Ernest S. Heller ’22

Ernest "Pick" Heller died Jan. 25, 1998, at his NYC home. Pick graduated Phi Beta Kappa at age 19 and joined his family's jewelry business. He visited Europe, China, and Japan, where he bought pearls from Mikimoto. Pick lived in Paris in the mid-'20s and married Red Fine, who survives him. In the late '20s they returned to NYC and rented an apartment, where she still lives.

Pick retired in 1972 and pursued interests in modern art and contemporary music. He and his nephew started an art gallery, and he was a trustee of the City Center, where he developed music and drama performances. He was on the alumni council of Princeton's music department. According to the 1982 Reunion Book, he collected a great deal of art before WWII, including ceramics from China.

His memorial service was held at the Princeton Club. Many people spoke about his kindness and generosity. A nephew recalled a visit to Princeton in June 1996 when Pick attended the Old Guard Luncheon and marched in the P-rade. Pick enjoyed this and was pleased with the crowd's support of the Class of '22 and the Old Guard. Pick was our class agent and was proud of the two 100 percent participation years in 1995-96 and 1996-97.

The Class of 1922