Ernie Lopez Senior was born in 1952 in Carrizo Springs, Texas to Antonio and Dolores Lopez. After graduating from Gilroy High School he met the love of his life, Rosie Valdez. They married at the tender ages of 20 and 22. They had three kids Ernie Lopez Junior, John Lopez , and Rosie (Lopez) Duenas.  He went on to drafting school and worked in construction. He was hired on with Pavese Plumbing , where he developed a passion for plumbing. After 12 years with Pavese, he decided to start his own business, eventually Ernie's Plumbing. During this time he was a bouncer at the Gilroy Skate Arena, had a gardening business, and a restaurant, Rozzini's, which was located in Madera. Monday through Friday Ernie would travel to Madera after working eight hour days in Gilroy. On the weekends Ernie enjoyed taking his wife and three kids to the restaurant just to have them there. He would never leave his family behind. Ernie became a born-again Christian at the age of 26. He taught youth boys at a Pentecostal church for 12 years and continued to teach third and fourth graders at South Valley Community Church. His passion was investing in our youth to develop a Godly generation. He was an avid reader and read His Word daily.

Ernie was blessed to employ his entire family, and on any given day you'd see him joy riding around town with his grandchildren. Ernie "retired" at the age of 65 but would continue to show up at the shop by 7am  ready to get the day started.

It brings us comfort knowing that he Is with our Lord. Dad/Sweets, as King David said,  "We cannot bring you back but we shall go to you one day" 2 Samuel 11:23.

You've crossed those pearly gates and are walking on those streets of gold.

Services will be taken care of by Habing Family Funeral Home.