Ernest C. Lindner, 88, of Old Saybrook, died Jan. 26 at Middlesex Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Barbara (Konrad) Lindner.  Ernie was born in Middletown on March 28, 1924, son of the late Ernest W. Lindner and Theresa (Mozzochi) Lindner. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and had been part of the invasion of Normandy.

Ernie joined the Old Saybrook school system in the early 1950s as a gym teacher and moved to Old Saybrook in 1956. During his long career, he won three state championships with Old Saybrook High School: two in baseball, and one in soccer. He also won two Shoreline basketball championships.  Ernie was the athletic director for OSHS for many years before his retirement in the 1980s, and he was honored to be selected for the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

Ernie was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He also enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fan of both the boys and girls UConn basketball teams. In addition, he followed the Connecticut Sun basketball team. 

Old Saybrook has lost a good teacher and a good friend.

Besides his wife, Ernie is survived by one brother, Robert Lindner of East Lyme, and a sister, Audrey Conrad and her husband Paul of Columbia, South Carolina.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m., at St. John Church, Main St., Old Saybrook, followed by burial with full military honors in Fountain Hill Cemetery, Deep River.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Middlesex Hospice, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Please visit www.swanfunralhomeoldsaybrook.com for condolences and tributes.