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Ernest Reit
Ernest Reit Our Dad, Ernie Reit, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning April 7th, 2020. He died of natural causes, while sleeping in his big old brown chair. We are so happy that he is reunited with our beautiful Mom at last. Dr. Ernest Marvin I. Reit was born on July 3, 1932 in the Bronx, NY to Jean (Brody) Reit and Benjamin Reit. He was the oldest of his generation, with a younger brother Barry and 13 cousins from his mother's six brothers and sisters. They all grew up in the Bronx and spent many happy summers together on a dairy farm in upstate New York. Ernest graduated from PS 53 (Valedictorian, Class of 1945), and DeWitt Clinton High School (Valedictorian, Class of 1949). He received two degrees from Cornell University: a Bachelor of Science with distinction (1953) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1957). After two years practicing veterinary medicine he returned to school and earned a Ph.D in Pharmacology from Yale University (1964). He moved his family to England for postdoctoral studies at the National Institute for Medical Research with the distinguished Professor Wilhelm Feldberg. In 1965, he joined the faculty of the University of Vermont Medical School as a researcher and Assistant Professor of Pharmacology. He also served as the Head of the Animal Care Facility from 1980 until his retirement in 1995. While at UVM he won a Research Career Development Award from the NIH and was twice honored as Teacher of the Year. He was a beloved mentor as Director of Graduate Studies in Pharmacology for ten years. He retired as Associate Professor in 1995 and was granted Emeritus status for exemplary teaching and research, and for his dedicated leadership and academic contributions to the University Medical School. While at Cornell he met Alberta Halpern (Abby) on a blind date, and they were married in 1956. They raised four children: Sally Faye, Susan Bess, Peter William and Pamela Maxwell. The family settled in Williston, VT and lived there from 1965 to 1987. His beloved wife Abby passed away in 1984. In 1987 he married Janet Wilson Massman. His family is so grateful for their years together in Hinesburg, VT. They were amicably divorced in 2008. Ernest moved to Allenwood Senior Living in South Burlington in 2017. He loved gardening, nature, hiking, cross-country skiing and animals. Singing and playing guitar - especially with his family - was one of his favorite pastimes. He leaves his brother Barry and his four children and their spouses (Barbara, Michael, Pedro, Alyssa and Ira), his seven grandchildren (David, Nathaniel, Michael, Tobin, Niko'a, Abigail, and Layla Jae), and his four great grandchildren (Layla Aria, Benjamin, Madrone and Makoa). A celebration of Ernies life will take place online in June. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County a division of the Ready Funeral Home 261 Shelburne Rd in Burlington. Please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com to place on-line condolences.July 3, 1932 - April 7, 202007/03/193204/07/2020
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Ernest Reit
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