Ernest Wallach, beloved husband of 65 years, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent to be, friend, and Holocaust survivor, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026 at the age of 89.
Born in Mannheim, Germany on May 15, 1937, Ernie endured the unimaginable hardships of the Holocaust as a young child. Through the courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to life, The Sisters of Charity who shielded Ernie for 4 years in their convent in Leuven Belgium enabled him to survive one of history’s darkest chapters.
After being reunited with his mother, father (following his release from Dauchau) and sister in Belgium where they lived for several years, Ernie and his family traveled aboard the Queen Elizabeth from England to America, arriving in New York City at the age of 10. Ernie and his family resided in New York City where Ernie attended public school, learned English and later married the love of his life Toby and resided in Rockland County, NY for decades where they raised their children.
Ernie was employed by Chemical Bank where he began working in the mailroom and worked his way up to executive level positions over a career of more than 20 years. He later owned different businesses in New Jersey and then Pennsylvania and then relocated to Maine where he worked in retail until his retirement.
Ernie took great pride volunteering for the American Red Cross and serving on the board of 2 different synogogues and contributing toward a library to a third Shul. Ernie enjoyed spending time at the beach, eating ice cream by the carton, was an avid card and scrabble player, a connoiseuer of steak and seafood and enjoyed watching professional sports. Above all, Ernie enjoyed visits and phone calls from his grandchildren.
Ernie was cherished for his kindness, generosity, resilience, faith and humor and leaves behind his wife Toby, his son and daughter-in-law Howie and Pennie Wallach, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Howard Cohen, son Daniel and his partner Lissy, his Nephew Randy and other members of his family. Grandpa Ernie also leaves behind many grandchildren; Mathew Wallach and his fiance Stephanie, Elyse Wallach, Perry Cohen and his wife Erika, Rachel Cohen and her fiance Michael Krepich III, Bailey Wallach and Benji Wallach.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents and other family members here and family lost during the Holocaust, whose memories remained forever in his heart.
The family finds comfort in knowing that Ernie’s legacy lives on through future generations and through all who were touched by him. May his memory be a blessing.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday June 23 at Beth Jacob Cemetery in Auburn, Maine at 11:00 AM and led by Rabbi Carolyn Braun.
Shiva information: Tuesday June 23, 2:00-5:00 PM. Hampton Inn Lewiston-Auburn; 15 Lincoln Street, Lewiston.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ernie’s memory to:
Temple Shalom Library Fund; PO Box 3315, Auburn, Maine 04212
Temple Beth El; Portland, Maine
https://tbemaine.shulcloud.com/payment.php