HENRY N. "HANK" ERNECOFF

ERNECOFF, HENRY N. a.k.a. HANK Henry N. Ernecoff a.k.a. Hank was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1955. He graduated from Titusville High School and obtained his BS degree in economics from the Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife Susan who served in the United States Navy moved to San Diego in 1983 and he quickly became integrated into military life. He loved the Navy and made many friends which he considered family. In 1997, he was voted military spouse of the year and received a commendation at MCRD. He received a MBA and Juris Doctorate degree from National University and passed the California State Bar exam in 1990. He practiced law for 20 years in San Diego representing Social Security and SSI claimants. He was licensed to practice in the federal courts in the Southern and Central Districts of California as well as in the 3rd and 9th US court of appeals. He had published opinions in the 9th circuit. Serving the needy was Hank's bottom line. The homeless, the down-on-their luck, the mentally ill all knew Hank for he was their lawyer. He fought the bureaucracy on their behalf trying to qualify them for disability income. He would find beds and services for those people who needed counseling, detoxification or mental health treatment. He would pay their taxi fees, lunches or dinners, or just give them some needed money. His goal was to help the needy and put service as his priority. Hank was well known downtown for his generosity. People approached him out of the shadows, from darkened doorways and alleys, and from the forgotten corners of city life. They would always say hi to him and Hank would take comfort in their warm greetings. He had a great sense of humor and was known for his numerous pranks including making a live squid sandwich and handing that to his mother-in-law who promptly screamed. He was an avid boater and fisherman. He enjoyed the Chargers and Padres games but he truly loved Penn State football. Hank was a longtime parishioner at Sacred Heart Church where he served as a member of the Finance Committee. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Tatiana, his brothers Ed, Jim, and Rick and sister, Margie Crouser. Funeral Mass will be held on January 24, 2012 at Sacred Heart Church, 4776 Saratoga Avenue, Ocean Beach at 11 a.m. Immediately following will be a reception at the church hall. Interment will be at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church for the Hopi Indians.