ROGER ERNST

ERNST--Roger.

Roger Ernst, passed away in Tampa, Florida on November 17, 2014, surrounded by his children. Born in New York City to Morris L. and Margaret Ernst, Roger attended City and Country School, George School, Williams College, and the National War College. He served in the US Army, and was Assistant Director for NATO and for Planning in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He started the Peace Corps in India, served as Deputy Director of the US Economic Assistance Mission in Taiwan and Korea, and was Director of USAID in Ethiopia and Thailand. He was a Fellow at the East-West Center in Hawaii, and taught at the University of South Florida. A lifelong summer resident of Nantucket, MA, his trademark red sail was as well-known in the harbor as his smile was on land. An exercise devotee, he ran 1000 miles a year for 25 years. He loved travelling and dancing with his wife Jean O'Mara Ernst, to whom he proposed on the day they met. He is predeceased by his wife Jean, and his sisters Constance Bessie and Joan Dauman. He is survived by daughter Debbe Nicholson, her husband Jeff and son Sam; and son David, his wife Jennifer and their children, Ben, Julia and Daniel. A memorial service will be held in Nantucket this summer. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Nantucket Rotary Club or the Nantucket Conservation Foundation.