Ernest 'Ernie' Sando, Bayberry Flowers owner

Ernest “Ernie” Sando, 64, co-owner of Bayberry Flowers in Rehoboth Beach, and a retired business executive, passed away Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at Beebe Healthcare, Lewes.

He is survived by his partner of 23 years, Carl Grimm. He is also survived by his mother, Irene Tamanini Sando Joyner; brothers James Sando and Michael Sando; and sister Cynthia Farley. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Sando. He was a loving uncle to Sarah Sando Cocchimiglio, Alex Sando, Kiernan Farley, Victoria Farley Buckwalter, Shealyn Farley, Harrison Sando, and great-uncle to Anthony Cocchimiglio IV.

Born in Hazelton, Pa., May 25, 1950, he graduated from Hazleton High School in 1968 and earned a degree in political science from Mansfield College. In 1972, he moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the George McGovern campaign. After the campaign, he accepted a job with Sen. Alan Cranston. He later became a stockbroker with Johnston, Lemon and Co. With his success there, he accepted a job with Georgeson and Co. in New York City as vice president, investor relations, from 1979-82.

He left Georgeson to work for Flexi-Van Corp. as director, investor relations and corporate communications, and worked for DF King and Company before returning to Georgeson and Co. in 1987 as senior managing director and member of the board of directors. In 2000, he accepted a position with Hill and Knowlto, Inc., as U.S. director, financial communications, and senior managing director. He was a board member of the National Investor Relations Institute and a member of the New York Financial Communications Society.

In 2003, he and Carl retired to Rehoboth Beach. Together, they formed C & E Partners and purchased Bayberry, a flower shop and event business.

Ernie was a loyal, generous friend and was considered by all who knew him to be a true gentleman. He shared his life with his family and an incredible group of friends. His family is grateful for the exceptional and compassionate care Ernie received at Beebe Healthcare, especially from his nurses.

Funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

The family requests that memorial contributions in Ernie’s name may be directed to the Beebe Health Care Margaret H Rollins School of Nursing Annual Fund, c/o Beebe Medical Center Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, P. O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or The Children’s Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Ernie’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.