Ernest Baldiviez

Ernest Ernie V. Baldiviez

1942 - 2024

Faith, family and friends were the foundation of the life of Ernest Ernie V. Baldiviez, born in Santa Maria on January 22, 1942, to Rosario and Reyes (Vega) Baldiviez. He attended Bonita and St. Mary of the Assumption elementary schools, Santa Maria High School with the Class of 1960 and graduated from Allan Hancock College with two associate degrees. Ernie met the love of his life, Josephine Josie Dominguez in 1959 and they were married September 4th, 1965. He proudly served in the United States Army for three years and continued to be involved with the local Mid-Coast Veterans Alliance.

Ernie and Josie started a family with Angelina in 1966, followed by Carolyn in 1969 and Ernest Net in 1970. During their young married life, Ernie worked for Knudsen Dairy and reveled in being a dad, coach and volunteer. Outside of work, Ernie loved to BBQ and could often be found behind the pit with his crew of family and friends as he shared his time and BBQ expertise. His famous BBQ chicken lives on through many he taught over the years. Ernie was an active dad coaching football, baseball, and softball. As a coach of St. Joseph High School, he led his team to back to back CIF softball championships in 1987 and 1988. He continued to be recognized by his players throughout his life, who often approached him and thanked him for his care and dedication as a mentor and leader for several generations of young people.

After 35 years with Knudsen, Ernie retired to be a grandpa-nanny. He doted on his grandchildren Sadie Rey (Miller) Veglia, Maddie Jo Miller, Caitlyn Martinez, Noah Martinez and Charlotte Baldiviez. Ernie was deeply loved by his grandchildren and was a second dad to all of them. He was their biggest fan and so proud of their accomplishments as they graduated from high school and college, pursued education in their chosen fields and became kind and loving people, which to him, was the most important gift of all. He was so proud and felt lucky enough to see Sadie get married and welcome her husband, Richie, his new grandson, into the family. The sudden losses of his son, Net in 2012, and son-in-law, Chuck in 2020, profoundly affected all of their lives, but the strong faith and family commitment upon which he built his family was the foundation that sustained them through these devastating losses. Ernie continues to be an inspiration to the family he leaves behind, including his wife; Josie, his children; Angelina Miller and Dr. Carolyn Baldiviez, son-in-law, Vincent Martinez and daughter-in-law, Lisa Horst Baldiviez, his grandchildren; Charlotte, Sadie, Richie, Caitlyn, Noah, and Maddie, his siblings; Hermie, Alice, and Ralph, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Net, his brother, Joe, and son-in-law, Chuck Miller.

Ernie was known to be the rock that his family relied upon for love and support. He was always willing to help others and lived a life of service and love. He was the benevolent patriarch of his large extended family, and people inside and outside of the family embraced his wisdom and empathy. So many have shared their personal stories of Ernie in which he was looked to as a great example of a husband and father as well as a confidant offering his insightful words and guidance and most importantly, his love.

Ernie passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, having been surrounded by his loving family and friends for several days. He was lovingly cared for in the last year of his life, by caregiver, Joel Anglo, who became a member of the Baldiviez family.

Services will be held as follows: On Thursday, April 4, 2024, there will be a 5:30 PM viewing at St. Mary of the Assumption Church followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 6 PM. Funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church at 9:30 am on Friday, April 5, followed by graveside services at the Santa Maria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the veteran's organization of your choice, St. Joseph High School, or Santa Maria High School.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.