Obituary for Chester Samuel Ehrman
It is with great sadness and much love that the family of Chester Ehrman, 88, announces his passing on October 14, 2020. Known for his keen intellect, avid storytelling, boundless energy, generous spirit, and adoration for the sea, Chet made friends around the world who will miss him dearly.
As the only child of Chester Sr. and Lillian Ehrman of Long Island, NY, Chet began his boating life early with a love for “knocking about in small vessels.” His maritime interests and dedication to family were later reflected in a signature name, Lorelei, which he was proud to say signified “Lori, Ellen, and I.” He is survived by Ellen Ringer Ehrman, his wife of 63 years, and daughter Lori Ehrman Tinkey. Chet considered Lori’s husband Brett Tinkey as a son and was beloved Pop Pop to Amanda Tinkey, Madeleine Tinkey, Brielle Tinkey, and Luke Tinkey. In his customary expansive manner, he included Falcon Jefferson and Grace Rose as family.
Chet pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering at the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College at Fort Schuyler intending to operate commercial ships. He worked under Admiral Rickover on submarine construction at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and served in the Army. Chet discovered a passion for nuclear engineering, which led him to a Masters-equivalent education from the Bettis School of Nuclear Power. From there, he built an impressive career designing nuclear power reactors with the highest levels of government clearance. Achieving the most distinctive honor in his industry, Chet was a Fellow Grade Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Chairman of the Advanced Reactor Committee.
Chet revered his childhood home on Long Island Sound known as Lagoon Lodge, his home of 48 years in Basking Ridge, NJ, and his 70 years of Jersey Shore experiences. After decades of summer living aboard Lorelei II in Point Pleasant, NJ, he and Ellen moved ashore to their Bay Head, NJ home of 29 years. They also maintained a home in St. Joseph, MI to reside near family. Chet and Ellen enjoyed a “winter rotation” in Naples, FL for years before purchasing a condominium in August 2019. Active in retirement, Chet was President of the Toms River Seaport Society (NJ), Chairman of the Wooden Boat Festival (NJ), and member of Trinity by-the-Cove Episcopal Church (FL).
Chet’s prodigious collection of stories and photos from all decades of his life featured his worldwide travel escapades and almost always included a boat, preferably a wooden boat. Whether he went to Japan or the local post office, he always came back with a story of the new friends he made and notes on how to stay in touch with them. Chet was a conscientious friend and was giving toward everyone he met.
A memorial service is to be held later following placement of the ashes in the columbarium at All Saints Episcopal Church, Bay Head, NJ, where he was a member of the vestry and choir.
As the only child of Chester Sr. and Lillian Ehrman of Long Island, NY, Chet began his boating life early with a love for “knocking about in small vessels.” His maritime interests and dedication to family were later reflected in a signature name, Lorelei, which he was proud to say signified “Lori, Ellen, and I.” He is survived by Ellen Ringer Ehrman, his wife of 63 years, and daughter Lori Ehrman Tinkey. Chet considered Lori’s husband Brett Tinkey as a son and was beloved Pop Pop to Amanda Tinkey, Madeleine Tinkey, Brielle Tinkey, and Luke Tinkey. In his customary expansive manner, he included Falcon Jefferson and Grace Rose as family.
Chet pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering at the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College at Fort Schuyler intending to operate commercial ships. He worked under Admiral Rickover on submarine construction at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and served in the Army. Chet discovered a passion for nuclear engineering, which led him to a Masters-equivalent education from the Bettis School of Nuclear Power. From there, he built an impressive career designing nuclear power reactors with the highest levels of government clearance. Achieving the most distinctive honor in his industry, Chet was a Fellow Grade Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Chairman of the Advanced Reactor Committee.
Chet revered his childhood home on Long Island Sound known as Lagoon Lodge, his home of 48 years in Basking Ridge, NJ, and his 70 years of Jersey Shore experiences. After decades of summer living aboard Lorelei II in Point Pleasant, NJ, he and Ellen moved ashore to their Bay Head, NJ home of 29 years. They also maintained a home in St. Joseph, MI to reside near family. Chet and Ellen enjoyed a “winter rotation” in Naples, FL for years before purchasing a condominium in August 2019. Active in retirement, Chet was President of the Toms River Seaport Society (NJ), Chairman of the Wooden Boat Festival (NJ), and member of Trinity by-the-Cove Episcopal Church (FL).
Chet’s prodigious collection of stories and photos from all decades of his life featured his worldwide travel escapades and almost always included a boat, preferably a wooden boat. Whether he went to Japan or the local post office, he always came back with a story of the new friends he made and notes on how to stay in touch with them. Chet was a conscientious friend and was giving toward everyone he met.
A memorial service is to be held later following placement of the ashes in the columbarium at All Saints Episcopal Church, Bay Head, NJ, where he was a member of the vestry and choir.