Ernest James Scheidemann, known affectionately as Ernie, passed away on May 18, 2026, in Pequannock, New Jersey, at the age of 90.

Born on July 17, 1935, in Passaic, New Jersey, Ernie was raised in Clifton and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and community throughout his life. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, an achievement that helped launch a long and meaningful career in education and public service. Ernie was a warm, friendly, and intelligent man whose steady presence and spirit touched the lives of many.

Ernie devoted much of his professional life to teaching and serving others. Before retiring from the Clifton Board of Education after 33 years, he was a chemistry teacher at Clifton High School and had previously taught at the middle school level. He was known as a dedicated educator who cared deeply about his students and took pride in helping them learn and grow. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as he also served on the Board of the Clifton Education Foundation and remained active in matters affecting his community.

In addition to his work in education, Ernie was a real estate broker and operated his family business, The Ernest T. Scheidemann Agency on Main Avenue in Clifton, which was founded in 1916. Over the years, Ernie became a familiar and beloved presence in Clifton, especially along Main Avenue, where he was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Main Ave.” With his friendly personality, easy conversation, and unmistakable whistling down the street, it seemed that everyone knew Ernie — and he knew everyone in return. He also served on the Passaic County Board of Taxation, continuing his lifelong pattern of civic involvement and responsible leadership. Ernie believed in contributing to the place he called home, and he did so with a genuine concern for others.

Ernie resided in Wayne for many years, where he raised his family. He was a parishioner of St. Paul R.C. Church in Clifton and was also a member of the Wayne ELKS Lodge, the Clifton Moose Lodge, and the New Jersey Education Association. These affiliations reflected the many ways he stayed connected to his community and to the people around him.

Outside of his professional and community commitments, Ernie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved being near peaceful lakes where he could camp and fish, enjoying the quiet beauty of nature and the companionship of family and friends. He took pleasure in writing poems and was the kind of guy who enjoyed sitting down with a juicy burger or hot dog and a great story to tell. He was also a true animal lover who warmly supported his children through a menagerie of beloved pets over the years, including dogs, cats, bunnies, finches, frogs, fish, and yes, even a duck. Ernie also enjoyed a good day at the horse races and was the subject of jokes for being much better at placing bets than winning them.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elsie Scheidemann, his sister, Vera Scheidemann and his grandson, Michael. Ernie is survived by his partner, Lola Carroll; his seven children, Annmarie Reidy and her husband Keith, Ernest J. Scheidemann, Jr. and his wife Christine, Susan Mulvihill and her husband Stephen, James Scheidemann and his wife Lori, Barbara Sher, Laura Pizzi and her husband Daniel, and Sara Prout and her husband Mark; his fifteen grandchildren, Keith, Casey, Alyssa, Brittany, Bryant, Kyle, Andrew, Alex, Jake, Erin, Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, Daniel, and Jillian; and his four great-grandchildren, Sam, Mila, Bjorn, and Baron.

Ernie will be remembered for his kindness, his intelligence, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of service and lasting impact that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 9:00 am at St. Paul R.C. Church, 124 Union Avenue, Clifton, NJ. Please meet at the church. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clifton Education Foundation at www.cliftoneducationfoundation.org. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest James Scheidemann, please visit our floral store.