Ernest V. Lindblad, Jr.

Obituary of Ernest Verner Lindblad

1942 - 2026

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a beloved member of our family Ernie Lindblad. Ernie was a man defined by his quiet strength, deep integrity, and an unwavering devotion to his family, his career, and his country.

Ernie was raised in Brooklyn NY where he grew up in a small apartment with his parents Ernie and Betty, and his two younger brothers Robert and Donald who survive him today. From an early age he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and discipline – values that shaped his life. His involvement in youth athletics and youth coaching resulted in a life long love of sports. He loved to play and watch sports--baseball, basketball, golf and his newest sport taken up a few years ago – Bocce. He loved golf and played regularly. He played 18 holes with long time buddies the day before he suffered a cardiac event that was just too serious to overcome.

He carried the principles he learned into his education and excelled academically and athletically. Ernie proudly played baseball at Albion College in Michigan where he graduated with honors, reflecting both his determination and his drive to succeed. After graduating from Albion he went on to get a Masters Degree in Business at Michigan State. After finishing his masters, Ernie answered a greater calling and joined the US Marines where he serve as a Captain. He served with honor and valor and earned a Purple Heart in Vietnam. Being a Marine was not just a chapter of his life - it was part of his identity.

Ernie built a remarkable career in New England as a pioneer in the development of the modern wireless aspect of telecommunications at AT&T, and then after retirement, he continued working another several more years at Sprint helping to build networks, develop a customer base, and lay the foundation of the modern wireless world.

Above all else, Ernie was a devoted father to Ingrid, Gretta, Erica and Doug. They will carry forward his values, his resilience, and his love. He was married to Barbara Duffy in 1993 and they shared 34 loving years rooted in respect, loyalty and enduring love. He gained a stepdaughter Corinne with his marriage to Barbara and he became a very important part of Corinne’s life. He particularly loved following all of his grandkids (Ben, Sam, Christopher, Andrew, Ryan, Olivia and Alex) in sports, academics and budding careers. He loved watching all of his kids and grandkids grow up and play sports like he did.

Ernie’s legacy lives on not only in his accomplishments, but in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and in the example he set every day. He will be remembered as a man of honor, a proud Marine, a visionary leader and a deeply loving Father and husband whose impact will be felt forever.

Interment will be on Friday, September 11th at 10 am for family only with a ceremony at Beaufort National Cemetery where he will receive Marine Corps Funeral Honors. A Celebration of his Life will follow the next day on September 12th at 10 am at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road in Bluffton SC 29910.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Program - https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/donatetoday

Semper Fi – Captain