Ernest Lucero "Ernie" Garcia

Garcia, Ernest "Ernie" Lucero
77, of Rancho Cucamonga passed away on September 16, 2009. A retired educator for 46 years, he was born in Phoenix on 10-8-31. He attended Lowell School, St. Mary's and Phoenix Union High Schools. He was an All-State football player in 1949. After returning from military, service during the Korean War, he earned his varsity letter, BA, and MA from ASU. Moving to Los Angeles in 1962, he earned his Ed.D from UCLA, while working two jobs to support his family. He became a devoted UCLA Bruins fan and was a fixture at all home football games. He was a proud life member of American Legion Post 41. In 2002, he was inducted into the St. Mary's High School Hall of Fame and, earlier this year, was inducted into the AZ Hispanic Athletic Hall of Fame. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Stella, and four children; Ernie Jr. and wife Cecilia; daughter Nancy; son Richard; daughter Lori Delaney and husband Stephen; eight granchildren; beloved sister Sylvia Bernardi and husband Charles; beloved great-aunt Flora Lucero Miller. 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, October 15, at St. Mary's Basilica. Graveside service immediately following at the AZ Memorial Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Mary's High School Athletic Fund, 2525 N. 3rd St. Phoenix,AZ 85004