Born in Houston Texas on August 14, 1939, Ernest M. Aguilar began his life the 7th child of 11 for Amado Aguilar and Fermina Manriquez Aguilar. At 18 years of age, Ernest left home and joined the United States Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged in 1963, Ernest moved to Los Angeles to live with his brother Pete and cousin Isabel and her 4 children. Being a man of exceptional generosity, character, and religious conviction, Isabel’s children embraced him as a father figure.
In 1964 Ernest was blessed and his life was forever changed when he married Aurora Teresa Aguilar. She bore him 5 sons (Ernest, Raul, Noel, Efren, and Sergio). The Aguilar family moved to Pico Rivera in 1966 and Ernest and Aurora quickly became progressive community leaders and activists. The Aguilar home was a warm and welcome place for all of their friends and extended family.
Ernest Aguilar worked his entire professional career with the phone company. He was hired when he was 24 and retired at the age of 57 after 31 years of service. During that time he was President of his local union, Communications Workers of America, and was ultimately promoted to management.
Throughout all of his life, Ernest was a devoted Catholic. When he first came to Los Angeles, he was an active member of Dolores Mission and sponsored many children as they entered the faith. Ernest believed that god children are rungs in the ladder to heaven and in this regard Ernest was truly blessed. He felt honored with this role; sponsoring many of his nieces and nephews, as well as working with Sister Emanuel at Dolores Mission. After moving to Pico Rivera and joining St. Hilary, Ernest served as a CCD teacher for 15 years, continuing to support the Catholic Church he loved so much.
He is survived by: his wife Aurora Teresa, his sons Ernest, Raul, Noel, Efren, and Sergio, his brothers Pete, Carmen, and Raymond, his sisters Dolores and Josephine, his mother in law Aurora L. Hernandez, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel - Morrow's, Pico Rivera, CA.
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