Ernesto Pinzon Deogracias

Ernesto Pinzon Deogracias was born on April 25, 1947 at home in Binmaley, Pangasinan by a midwife to Jose and Monica Deogracias. He was raised with his three older sisters, Leticia, Teresita, and Erlinda; and his older brother, Joel in Binmaley and later in Ermita, Manila. Their family was rounded out by their dog, Pipo, who was their best friend for 15 years. Even as a child, he was organized and practical, and he was instilled with a strong sense of duty that he carried with him throughout his life. Ernesto was intelligent and witty, and he grew into a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Growing up, Ernesto made many friends. Some of his best friends in childhood were Sally De Guzman and Emma Fajardo. After graduating from Araullo High School in Manila, he stayed good friends with his Class of ’63 classmates, which included Gigi Guevara, Cez Crisostomo, Jose De La Cruz, Edgar Tolentino, Tony Samson, Leony Hernandez, and Benny and Celia Karganilla. He was a good friend to many and was loyal to his friendships throughout.

After graduating high school, Ernesto went on to attend college at Mapua Institute of Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He was always talented in mathematics, and had a way with numbers. He especially loved calculus. Shortly after completion of his Bachelor’s degree, Ernesto immigrated to the United States. He then was afforded the opportunity to work for Rockwell International/Boeing, an Aerospace company. While working for Rockwell International/Boeing, Ernesto went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration at Cal Lutheran University. During his time in at Rockwell International/Boeing, he was a member of the chess team. After earning his Master’s and working for Rockwell International/Boeing for 11 years, his hard work and dedication led him to a 23-year-long career with NASA.

Ernesto worked with NASA until his retirement in 2010. During this time, he was employed as the System Assurance Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope Program. During his time with NASA, he was certified and awarded with NASA’s Manned Flight Awareness Award, worked on the NASA Hubble Telescope Program, the NASA Earth Observing System, and the NASA Mars Observer. He was dedicated to his work and valued every opportunity it allowed him to achieve.

On June 17, 1972, Ernesto embarked on his greatest adventure, as he exchanged wedding vows with Lourdes Tierra Sarmiento at Ermita Catholic Church of Ermita, Manila, Philippines. He was devoted to his wife and his family. Together they were blessed with their son, Jay Christopher. Ernesto was ever watchful of Jay and maintained a firm hand in his upbringing.

Whenever he wasn’t working, Ernesto continued his love of playing chess, enjoyed singing, and attending concerts of artists like Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Natalie Cole. He also loved horse racing and doing simple home projects. He liked to stay active by going on walks and bowling, and would watch football and both college and professional basketball whenever he got the chance. Ernesto’s faith was also important to him. Ernesto believed it was faith that completely healed him from Stage 4 Colon Cancer at the age of 47. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 12 years. He was also previously President of the Legion of Mary in California and Philippines.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Ernesto used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Some of his favorite vacations included an Israel pilgrimage. He also went to the Centennial celebration of Our Lady of Fátima in Fatima, Portugal. He traveled to cities in Spain, such as Burgos, Garabandal, and Loyola, plus another pilgrimage to the town of Lourdes, France. He also went on a tour of Italy, traveling to Venice, Florence, Rome, Tuscany, Naples, Capri, and Sorrento. He also attended a Papal Audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City, as well as taking a month long cruise throughout Southeast Asia.

On December 5, 2022, Ernesto passed away at St. Rose San Martin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada after complications from acute cardiopulmonary arrest. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lourdes; and their son, Jay. Services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and he will be to rest at Palm Eastern Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Ernesto was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. Ernesto did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched knew just how much they meant to him, and he will be deeply missed.