Ernest "Ernie" Alden Chandler Jr., aged 98, a lifelong resident of Marshfield, peacefully passed away at his home, where he had resided for 81 years, on December 4, 2023.

Born on August 26, 1925, to Ernest Alden and Elizabeth Melville (Sinnott) Chandler Sr., Ernest was a proud 1943 graduate of Marshfield High School. He joined the Navy in March 1944, receiving training at various stations, including the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, and the Naval Air Station in Brooklyn, New York. As part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program, he studied at Middlebury College, Vermont, and later served as an Aviation Electrician's Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class in the Air Ferry Service Squadron 1. Ernest honorably completed his service on June 5, 1946.

Shortly after, on June 20, 1946, Ernest married the love of his life, Alice Marguerite Crawford. On November 20 he applied for the U.S. Civil Service Commission exam which led to a 35-year vocation with the United States Postal Service. He began as a clerk in the Marshfield office, where Alice also worked until 1961, when they began adopting their children, and retired having served as Postmaster in all the village offices except for Marshfield Hills.

They began their journey in a modest two-room camp on Alice's parents' property, diligently transforming it into a cherished home. One of their most significant accomplishments occurred between 1953-1956, when Ernest with the help of friend and local builder, the late Robert "Bob" Douglas Harvey, saw their home evolve into a replica of the Solomon Richardson house at Sturbridge Village.

Ernest was a man of deep faith, becoming a member of the First Congregational Church on April 13, 1941. His steadfast, unassuming service to his church and community have left their mark. He served on numerous boards and committees and was especially devoted to the Organ Restoration Fund, serving faithfully since 1986. Ernest was also a founding member of the Handicrafters, a men's ministry formed during the 1970s. He contributed significantly to the church-sponsored Winslow Villages Board of Directors, serving as President for over two decades. Additionally, he played a vital role as a director and officer for the Brant Rock Union Chapel, where he found joy in playing the antique Estes organ.

Before starting a family, Ernest and Alice briefly ventured into business, owning and operating Windy Hill Kennels, where they raised Cocker Spaniels. Later in life, they developed a passion for Boykin Spaniels, sharing their home with their beloved pets Beth, Blitz, and Joy.

Throughout his long and fulfilling life, Ernest pursued and mastered numerous interests, but his greatest satisfaction came from sharing his musical talents. He had a natural talent for singing and began studying piano and violin during his youth. As a young man he was active in several musical groups, including the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1967 his passion for the pipe organ was firmly established after he and fellow church member and friend, Kendrick Aiken Williams, completed a remarkable five-year project to rebuild and fully electrify the church's pipe organ. His appreciation and devotion for this instrument led to a gratifying second career as a church organist, a role he cherished until his retirement prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ernie was an accomplished artisan and craftsman. He enjoyed painting in many mediums, printmaking, photography, sewing, leatherworking, hand and machine knitting, crocheting, tatting, caning, rushing, reupholstery, horticulture, gardening, and woodworking. He was also an avid cook, baker and candy maker.

Ernest leaves behind his loving children: Alyssa Beth (Chandler) Myers of Jessup, MD; Bonnie Louise (Chandler) and her husband Lewis Edward Conant of Marshfield; Christian Jon and his wife Dr. Cara Elizabeth (Kenney) Chandler of Ashfield; Drew Walker Chandler and his wife Corrine Crystal (Anderson) Chandler of Marshfield. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jon Lewis and Eunice Perry (Costello) Chandler of Marshfield, and sister, Jean Elizabeth (Chandler) Woodbury of Stuart, FL. Ernest leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of his grandchildren: Zachary James Myers of Los Angeles, Cal., Danielle Olympia Conant; Jeremy Chandler Conant; Caithlin Elizabeth (Chandler) and her husband Matthew John Rocha; Ryan Christian Chandler, all of Marshfield; and Christian Alden Chandler of Ashfield. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Bennett Charles Rocha, as well as a niece and nephews: Andrew Linwood Woodbury of Port St. Lucie, FL, Dustin Alden Woodbury of Fayetteville, N.C., Scott Ernest Chandler and Andrew Jon Chandler of Marshfield, and Andrea Elizabeth Woodbury of Stuart, Fla.; godchildren Kathi Ellis, Bonnie Piccirillo, Cathy Henderson, Todd Campbell, Clifton Bennett and Lori Malmgreen; many grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by Alice in 2013, daughter-in-law Janice (Beehner) Chandler, brother-in-law Andrew Lindwood Woodbury II, and recently by son-in-law Dr. Mark Joseph Matthew Myers. Ernest will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for music, and his dedication to family and community. He will be cherished for generations to come, and his legacy will continue in the hearts and memories of those who knew him, in his creations and in the joy, he brought to his family, congregation and community.

A celebration of Ernest's life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Marshfield, located at 1994 Ocean Street, on Saturday, December 30, beginning at 1 pm. Following the service, there will be a visitation period and a collation in the Parish Hall at 1981 Ocean Street. In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations may be made to The First Congregational Church Organ Fund, P.O. Box 826, Marshfield, MA 02050, the Brant Rock Union Chapel, P.O. Box 177, Brant Rock, MA 02020, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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