Ernest Deitel

(April 30, 1927 – December 6, 2025) Ernest Deitel, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2025, at the age of 98. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Georgeta, his only daughter, Diana, and his cherished grandson, Allen Nicholas Moldovan. Born on April 30th, 1927, in Czechoslovakia, Ernest spent his childhood and early adulthood in Romania. Nearly half of his life unfolded there—years shaped by family, education, and the historical realities of the time. As a young Jewish student during the Second World War, he endured the severe hardships brought on by antisemitism. Despite these challenges, he and his five siblings survived, later dispersing across Israel, Germany, and the United States. His mother’s resilience in raising six children through hardship remained one of the defining influences of his life. In 1957, Ernest married Georgeta. In 1976, at the age of 50, he embarked on the second half of his life when he immigrated to the United States with his family. There, he rebuilt his world with determination and optimism, becoming a successful business owner and entrepreneur. He embraced America wholeheartedly, proud to call it home, while honoring the Jewish traditions of his heritage. Ernest was a cultured, multilingual man with a sharp intellect and an enduring love of learning. He was fluent in German, Hungarian, Romanian, and English, and he enjoyed dabbling in Hebrew, Italian, and French. A devoted New York Times reader, he knew opera arias by heart and relished conversations on history, politics, and art. He loved to travel and maintained friendships around the world, especially in Japan, a country for which he had a particular affection. In his later years, Ernest found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. On good-weather days, he could often be found in his wheelchair in Central Park, enthusiastically engaging strangers in conversation, offering stories, reflections, and warmth. Ernest’s presence will be missed across four continents by those whose lives he touched with his resilience, intellect, and remarkable spirit. He will remain forever in the hearts and minds of all who loved him. May his memory be a blessing. There will be a Graveside Service on Saturday, December 20th, 11:00AM at Nassau Knolls Cemetery. Family and Friends can meet at the cemetery office at 10:45AM.