I would like to give my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and the communities of Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula for all your support, thoughts, and prayers during a most difficult time. The unexpected passing of Ernie left me and all who knew him saddened over the loss of someone who has been an icon in their lives and the community for more than half a century. He was the love of my life, husband of over 60 years, father of Jeff, Brian and Michelle, and grandfather of Gabriel, Stella, Luke, Finn, Sofia, and Cameron Joseph. The kindness, generosity, participation and assistance of family and friends during the funeral service was appreciated more than you know. It made an otherwise somber day more comfortable for me and your continued kindness and generosity is helping me find a new normal.

I am most grateful to Father Jim Stehly who officiated at the funeral held at St. Francis of Assisi on September 29. Father Stehly was a close family friend, so it was special that he blessed the day and joined us in quiet sadness as he bid his friend farewell. I would also like to thank the Knights of Columbus St. Francis of Assisi Council 8800 for their support of one of their brothers. It was Ernie’s pride and joy to be part of the brotherhood since its founding in Fillmore. There are so many of you that I want to thank individually, and I will, eventually, when I see you.

Again, I thank you all sincerely for everything everyone did for me, especially your generous donations to Fillmore High School’s Mariachi Los Rayos in Ernie’s honor. Ernie would have liked that.
Becky Sosa Morales