R.W. Ernest A. Pearlstein, Past Junior Grand Warden, 1944-2025

R.W. Ernest Arthur Pearlstein, Past Junior Grand Warden (2005), departed to the Celestial Lodge above on August 19, 2025. He was 81 years old.

Ernest Arthur Pearlstein, affectionately known as “Ernie” to many, was born on April 27, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A proud Marine veteran, he went on to spend his career with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority until his retirement. Right Worshipful Brother Pearlstein lived most of his life in Malden with his beloved wife, Marjorie. To all who knew him, he was a man of warmth, humor, and fellowship. Among family, friends, and Brethren across the Commonwealth, he was known as a Shriner who served countless hours to bringing joy to children and raised funds for the Shriners Transportation Fund through his work in the Aleppo Shrine Clown Unit.

Brother Pearlstein was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 5, 1979, in Revere Lodge, Boston, which later consolidated into The Henry Price Lodge. Over the next 46 years, he affiliated with more than a dozen lodges across Massachusetts, offering to serve wherever he was called.

He served as Worshipful Master of Revere Lodge (1985–1986), Euclid Lodge (1986, 2010-2011), Mount Scopus Lodge (1998-1999), and later as Worshipful Master of The Masters Lodge (2018–2019). In 1988, M.W. Albert T. Ames appointed him District Deputy Grand Master of the 2nd Masonic District. He went on to serve as Grand Lecturer in 2004 and Junior Grand Warden in 2005, after which he became a Permanent Member of Grand Lodge. Brother Pearlstein also represented Massachusetts abroad as Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan and later to the Grand Lodge of Ontario. His leadership, and kindness made him a respected figure in the Craft.

An active member of both appendant bodies, Brother Pearlstein was deeply engaged in Massachusetts Freemasonry. His commitment to the youth in DeMolay further reflected his dedication to nurturing the next generation. Beyond his offices and accolades, he will be remembered for his warm nature, kindness, zeal, his humor, and his willingness to serve. Brother Pearlstein was a Brother and friend to many, and he left an indelible impact on the Craft through his love and service to others. He will be remembered and missed by many.

Services will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Goldman Funeral Chapel, 174 Ferry Street, Malden. A Masonic Service, under the direction of The Henry Price Lodge, will be conducted at that time. Interment will immediately follow at Puritan Lodge Cemetery, Peabody.