Ernest C. "Ernie" Linsay

Ernest C. “Ernie” Linsay, age 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. He was born in Cleveland, OH, on May 3, 1942 to the late Charles and Helen (Striebel) Linsay. 

Ernie earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Yale University and his doctoral degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He worked as a chemist, researcher, and research manager at Hercules Incorporated for close to 40 years. With his three children, Ernie knew just how to turn M&Ms into the perfect tool for helping with homework about atoms and molecules. 

Ernie spent plenty of time taking care of his home and tending to his yard - from a vegetable garden when his children were young to hostas, azaleas, and all types of landscaping with his wife, Jane. Ernie was also determined to creatively confound the squirrels constantly trying to climb up to the birdfeeders. 

Ernie also enjoyed traveling. A 1979 family summer road trip looped out to Colorado and Wyoming before going back home to Delaware. Nestled within the scenery and experiences was the stop sign that Ernie accidentally backed the car over on the grounds of the Air Force Academy. The MP was not happy. For many years, Ernie and Jane rode their bikes anywhere near home or farther away. On one memorable bike trip, Ernie and Jane’s ride through the Irish countryside included crossing through a cow pasture loaded with cow patties!

Sports was one of Ernie’s big interests. In college he was a wrestler and football player (as well as a beer-and-bike team rider). As a Dad, he coached or attended at least a million t-ball, baseball, soccer, basketball games, swim meets, tennis matches, and golf tournaments. Golf was a personal favorite for decades, whether in the form of PGA tournaments on TV, playing with his golf buddies, or just joining these friends for lunch. As a sports fan, Ernie always rooted for his two favorite football teams; the Yale Bulldogs and the Cleveland Browns. Go Browns!

Most especially, Ernie will be remembered for his love for his family and the time he was able to spend with them, playing penny poker, going bowling, creating elaborate Halloween costumes, decorating the Christmas tree. When his children were little, he taught them to use woodworking tools in the basement as they made a variety of things, including their own individual step stools so they could reach the sink when it was time to brush their teeth. Always, Ernie loved bringing family together for meals by grilling in the backyard or cooking in the kitchen. His devotion to family was strong and wonderfully enriching.

Ernie is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jane A. (White) Linsay; children Ernie W. Linsay and his wife Susan of Seattle, WA; Emily J. Linsay and her husband Jay Fung of NY, NY; and Katie L. Ballinger and her husband Todd of Downingtown, PA; and his grandchildren Ryan, Ethan, and William Linsay, Lucy Fung, and Abby and Claire Ballinger. Ernie is also survived by his sister, Gloria (Linsay) Kilfoyle and her husband Cliff of Mentor, OH, and their children Charlie, Doug, Kevin, and Helen, and other family members.

On Friday, July 11, 12:00PM-2:00PM, Ernie’s family is holding a Celebration of Life and Prayer Service in honor of him at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE. All are welcome to join for lunch and community.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in remembrance of Ernie to , The Nature Conservancy, 100 W. 10th St., Wilmington, DE 19801 or visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/delaware/