Ernest Codelia Jr.

CODELIA--Ernest Joseph Jr., 79, a well known attorney practicing in the New York City Metropolitan area passed away on Saturday night, February 28, 2009. Mr. Codelia is survived by his children: Johnedward and Adriene Codelia of London, England, and Annalies Codelia of Worcester, Massachusetts; predeceased by his ex-wife and mother of his children, Frieda Codelia. Ernest Codelia is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Annette Codelia of Florida; his niece, her husband and daughter, Chrissy, Billy, and Clare Bey; and sisters Gina Codelia and Rosa Williams of New York. Mr. Codelia was predeceased by his parents, Guadalupe and Ernesto Cordelia, Sr. Mr. Codelia is also survived by his loving companion of over 40 years, Mary O. Rivera of Malba, New York; stepson and daughter-in-law, David and Sharon Rivera along with their three children Christopher, Kimberly, and Jason of Clinton, New York. Ernest graduated All Hallows Elementary and High School of the Bronx, City College of the City University of New York as a civil engineer, and Brooklyn Law School receiving his Juris Doctor. Admitted to the New York Bar, Appellate Division, 1st Department in 1957. Mr. Codelia started as a solo practitioner in the 1970s and later founded his firm, Ernest Codelia, P.C., in 1984 which later became Codelia & Socorro. Ernest Codelia has been serving the Bronx community for over 40 years. Ernest, better known to people close to him as "Ernie," truly loved the diversity of the community. Ernie was known for his dedication to his clients. Many have voiced... "this is a great loss to the legal community." Ernie's commitment and motivation reflected in his work as well as in the team he lead: Peter Shipmen, Esq., Myrna Socorro, Esq., Jeannette Ortiz-Hausmann, Esq., Nelly Guzman and Trini Toland. His devotion to his family was exceptional. A man of great talent and peace of mind, loyalty was the quality you would use to describe him. Besides hard work, he believed that through education a person could achieve and accomplish anything. Education gives each person the knowledge and tolls for life and the choices we make. Ernie strongly believed there is always something to be learned. Funeral services are being handled by Castle Hill Funeral Home, 1528 Castle Hill Avenue, New York, with a viewing on Thursday, March 5, 2009, 3:00 to 9:00pm. The funeral mass will be at Holy Family Church, Castle Hill Avenue and Watson Avenue, Bronx, New York on Friday, March 6, 2009, at 10:00am. Interment to follow at St. Raymond's Cemetery: Our Lady of Hope Indoor Crypts, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, New York.