Photo courtesy of Habing Family Funeral Home
Gilroy, California
Aug 6, 1952 – Feb 3, 2021 (Age 68)
Ernie Lopez Senior was born in 1952 in Carrizo Springs, Texas to Antonio and Dolores Lopez. After graduating from Gilroy High School he met the love of his life, Rosie Valdez. They married at the tender ages of 20 and 22. They had three kids Ernie Lopez Junior, John Lopez , and Rosie (Lopez) Duenas. He went on to drafting school and worked in construction. He was hired on with Pavese Plumbing , where he developed a passion for plumbing. After 12 years with Pavese, he decided to start his own business, eventually Ernie’s Plumbing. During this time he was a bouncer at the Gilroy Skate Arena, had a gardening business, and a restaurant, Rozzini’s, which was located in Madera. Monday through Friday Ernie would travel to Madera after working eight hour days in Gilroy. On the weekends Ernie enjoyed taking his wife and three kids to the restaurant just to have them there. He would never leave his family behind. Ernie became a born-again Christian at the age of 26. He taught youth boys at a Pentecostal church for 12 years and continued to teach third and fourth graders at South Valley Community Church. His passion was investing in our youth to develop a Godly generation. He was an avid reader and read His Word daily.
Ernie was blessed to employ his entire family, and on any given day you’d see him joy riding around town with his grandchildren. Ernie “retired” at the age of 65 but would continue to show up at the shop by 7am ready to get the day started.
It brings us comfort knowing that he Is with our Lord. Dad/Sweets, as King David said, “We cannot bring you back but we shall go to you one day” 2 Samuel 11:23.
You’ve crossed those pearly gates and are walking on those streets of gold.
Services will be taken care of by Habing Family Funeral Home.
Read MoreThough Ernie was more than a few years older than me, I knew him while I was in high school. He was a good man. Rest In Peace my friend.
Fred Gutierrez
September 17, 2021
RIP primo...i just now found out of primos passing. I was blessed to have talked with him on phone few yrs ago. Sorry we never met...but someday we will in heaven. My condolences to everyone..Marcy (my mom was Consuelo Bursiaga Hernandez)
Marcy Espinoza
April 30, 2021 | Raymondville, TX | Family
so sorry for your loss Rosie
THERESA ESCUDERO MORALES
February 27, 2021 | Dos Palos, CA | Friend
Ernie was always a great friend and he would get always be in a good mood. God bless the Lopez Family. You will be greatly missed Ernie!
Terry Dong
February 27, 2021 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
We were blessed to have known Ernie. He had done a few jobs for us over the years and he was always on time and the work was done right. Linda really got to know Ernie when she had his Grandson Levi in her pre-school class. Ernie often dropped Levi off at school in the mornings and when he came in, he was always quick with a smile and a compliment for all. Ernie’s smile was infectious, and he never had a bad thing to say, he was always a ray of positive energy. No one was ever a stranger...
Chris & Linda Hendrickson
February 24, 2021 | Friend
We were saddened to hear the news about Ernie. He was one of a kind. A beautiful soul. Rest in perfect peace. You will be missed. Prayers for strength to the family.
Norma Heredia
February 22, 2021 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
To The Lopez Family,
Min & I send our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Ernie. He will always be remembered as a great gentleman who cared about people. May his wonderful memories help in your forward continuity of life.
Marian & Min Niiyama
February 22, 2021 | Friend
Our condolences to the Lopez family. It was an absolute pleasure to know Ernie. Always had a smile and handshake whenever and wherever you saw him. He was definitely one of those people you meet and never forget. Our prayers are with the Lopez family.
Mike & Louann Corbin
February 20, 2021 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
I'm not gonna say goodbye Ernie. I will see u at chuckchansi cause ure part time luv was those machines u always won. Luv joe n chris.
February 16, 2021 | Friend
