Ernesto L. Mora

1935 - 2024

Ernesto L. Mora (88) of Metairie, La. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 18, 2024. Ernest, fondly known as "Mora", was born to Salvadora and Ramiro Mora in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua on January 24, 1935. He met the love of his life Sally, married, and they promptly immigrated to the United States to build a better life. "Mora" had a strong love for his roots and culture and gave back to the Nola Hispanic population in many ways. He took his love of softball and founded the Pan American Softball league. For over two decades, he organized this league and mentored and coached so many young Hispanic men through this important ministry that fostered family and community on Sundays in City Park. In addition, he served on the Vestry at Grace Episcopal Church for many years and was a leader of this very active Hispanic congregation. Service to the community was natural for Ernest who was an active member of the Red Cross of Nicaragua in his earlier years before coming to the United States. Ernest also was a proud commercially rated pilot who served as an airman in the Civil Air Patrol. We are proud of his volunteer service to this great organization founded in 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service. As a talented welder, he retired from Avondale Shipyards after a successful 30 year career in the Sheet Metal Shop. Ernest is survived by his loving wife of 64 amazing years, Sally T. Mora, and six loving children, Ernest Mora (Zenaida), Julia Mora Guillot (Mike), Alba Mora Allen (James), Ruth Mora Avila, Sally Mora Baldwin (Stephen), and Luis Mora (Angelique). He is the proud Pawpaw to 13 grandchildren, Elizabeth Lacy (Scott), Zenailyn Hamilton (Taylor), Ernesto Mora, Joshua Weiss, Emilia Castelao, Lainey Weiss, Analise Marshall, Lance Dragon, Sailer Mora, Lucia Avila, Ava Mora, Cruz Mora and 3 great-grandchildren, Connor Lacy, Abigal Lacy and Nolan Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Tiffany Allen. Throughout his life, our father cherished his family above all else. He fought his battle for many years, but despite this, he never lost his sense of humor. He cracked jokes with his grown children, made silly faces with his grandchildren, and he sang lots as he had a great love of music. He had a wonderful ability to make others smile and his sense of humor, kind spirit and huge heart will be greatly missed. The Mora family will host a funeral service on Saturday, January 20 with visitation at 11:30, service at 1:30 pm and burial following at Garden of Memories Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, La. 70001. All are invited to a celebration of life immediately following at the home of Ruth Mora Avila at 5213 Sanford Street in Metairie. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Concerned Care Hospice in the Mora family name.