Ernest Arthur "Ernie" Pearlstein

Ernest Arthur Pearlstein, born April 27, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed peacefully at his home on August 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Son of the late Max Pearlstein and Evelyn Gordon Pearlstein, Ernie grew up in Wilmington, MA, and later made his lifelong home in Malden. After proudly serving his country as a United States Marine, Ernie began a long and dedicated career with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
A man deeply committed to service and community, Ernie was honored with the 33rd Degree of Freemasonry for his decades of devotion to the Masonic brotherhood. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, and participation in the charters of Independence and Logia Lodges. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Scottish Rite Children's Learning Center in Lexington, where his efforts supported educational opportunities for children. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to helping others, Ernie was awarded the Scottish Rite Humanitarian Award in 2001. Ernie's proudest Masonry moment was being elected by the membership to serve as Junior Grand Warden in 2005.
Known to many as "Rollo T. Clown," Ernie brought joy and laughter for more than 30 years performing in the Aleppo Shrine Circus and delighting crowds roller-skating in parades across Massachusetts, receiving recognition as Clown of the Year and serving as President of the International Shrine Clown Association. Ernie was excited to recently become a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He also worked tirelessly fundraising for the Aleppo Transportation Fund, Shriners Children's Hospital, and the Masonic Brotherhood Fund.
Ernie was looking forward to the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration of the Marine Corps, a reflection of the enduring pride he carried throughout his life in being a Marine. He approached every day with a zest for life, boundless optimism, and a drive to keep making the future a better place. Ernie's love immediately radiated through any room he entered. If you hadn't met Ernie, he was simply a friend you hadn't yet met.
Above all, Ernie was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 35 years, Marjorie Pearlstein, whose steadfast love never wavered. They enjoyed each other's company, whether it was a night of dancing, a relaxed game of whist, or watching an episode of Jeopardy in the comfort of their home.
Ernie was a loving and proud father, and grandfather, and is survived by his beloved wife Marjorie Pearlstein, and his children: Leah Pearlstein, Stephanie & George White, Jeffrey Pearlstein, Michael & Stacey Pearlstein, Michelle & Tom Hagerty, and Marc & Ana Sullivan, siblings Harvey & Ellen Pearlstein and sister Lillian Harvey. He was the cherished Grampy of Jack, Noah, and Max White; Evan, Brooke, and Collin Hagerty; Sage Pearlstein; Kit and Connor Wilson, and Darcy Mae Sullivan. He was predeceased by his brother Sammy Pearlstein and sister Joyce Copithorne.
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the Boston medical community, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Dr. Mark Ellenbogen, and Dr. Stuart Lecker - whose extraordinary heart and kidney care gave us many more years with Ernie than would have otherwise been possible.
Ernie's legacy will be remembered not only through his accomplishments but in the laughter, love, and light he brought to everyone who knew him. And if you knew Ernie, the limelight was his favorite place as he had a natural gift for lighting up a room.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Goldman Funeral Chapel, 174 Ferry St., Malden. Interment will be at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children's Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston MA 02114.