I met "Ernie" on the golf course at Paint Branch a few years back and was lucky enough to golf with him on occasion from about 2011 to 2013.  Ernie was polite, friendly--always a good sport and he was well liked by everyone who met him at Paint Branch.  He is missed.  My condolences to brother Alfredo and Ernie's entire family.

Growing up, Erika and I spent a lot of time in Tita Fely and Tito Ernie's home.  If we weren't at our own home, we were at Ates' house.  I can remember many weekends, slumber parties, and dinners spent there.  We were so blessed to have a Tita and Tito that were like second parents to us (and didn't mind us adding to the hustle and bustle of their own home).  We grew up thinking that this was the norm – everyone has an extended family like this right?  More and more, it hits me everyday how extraordinary and rare it is to have people like this in your life.
      
When I think of Tito Ernie, certain words immediately come to mind – kind, consistent, and reliable.  He embodied what it meant to take care of family.  Family means being there for each other, and Tito Ernie was always there.  I think back to big (and small) moments in my life, and remember him making it a point to be there - birthdays, graduations, family dinners, and the weekday “lunch delivery”.  Tito Ernie was a thoughtful man who showed his love for his family and friends through acts of kindness.  He never asked for anything in return, and was there for you in any way he could help.  

When we last saw Tito Ernie in November in San Francisco, Chip and I had asked him to be part of another big moment.  He teased us when we asked if he would be a Ninong for our wedding – saying “I guess so, if I have to” and chuckling because he thought he was so funny.  Then he instructed us to help him finish the leftover San Mig because he couldn't fly with it on the plane.  We toasted to him being a Ninong over San Mig – it was perfect.  

Even though I know that you will be there to watch over us and guide us -  you will be dearly missed.  Thank you Tito Ernie for always being there, and more importantly for teaching us how to take care of family.  We will do our best to make you proud.  We love you!

Our prayers and deepest sympathy. 
Gratil family

Mornings with Dad I will especially miss.  In the mornings when I'd bring Arya downstairs, Arya would be dressed for the day; I'd be dressed for work. We'd step into the dining room and there he was, sitting at the kitchen table by the window.  He'd probably have been awake at least an hour or two, eating breakfast and going through the Post.  But by the time we see him, he'd be working on the crosswords or scrabble puzzle.  We'd say "good morning Lolo"  and he'd peek over his reading glasses and say "Good morning.  Oh.  Arya, u awake?"  Then he might comment on how she looks, or ask how she slept, or when she went to bed or tell me if he heard her cry last night.  Then he'd say "Come to Lolo. Come to Lolo, so your dad can eat some breakfast".   He might sit her on his lap and continue with the crossword.  Or he might walk her to the sliding door and show her the birds flying outside or the rain coming down.  Or he might pull out his iPad and do whatever he had to just to coax a smile for a picture or get her to coo for a video.  At first, sometimes taking a video when he thought he was taking a picture; Sometimes taking a picture when he wanted a video.  But after a while he became more proficient.  Those are simple but cherished memories.  To me, those pictures and videos are gold.

This past week, listening to everyone's stories of his kindness, his devotion, his humor, his generosity, most were stories I've never heard before.   Some of them revealing, but none of them surprising.  With Dad, what you saw is what you got.  A really selfless man with no ego.  He wasn't flashy or showy (unless, of course, he was channeling Elvis Presley).  His name says it all.  Earnest. Sincere. Honest.  He had a quiet confidence about him.  Not a confidence from knowing he was right, but a confidence from doing what was right.  Because I think he'd admit that he wouldn't necessarily always know what was the right thing to do.  But I think when in doubt, he always chose to do the kind thing.  Because for him, the kind thing and the right thing were always the same.  We miss you Dad.

When Dad & I would catch Arya smiling or laughing in her sleep, he would say "your mom is playing with her in her dreams".  Now when I see Arya doing the same thing, I know for certain Dad is playing with her too.  We miss you so much already, Dad.  Please continue to guide & watch over us.  Love you.

Our deepest sympathy. Will be in our prayers...The Navarros, Fairfax, Va.
Roli, Mary Jo Karl, Jared Nick and Christine

Wanted to express our deepest sympathy and offer our heartfelt prayers....Orlando and Jeff F.

OBITUARY

Ernesto B. Felix

24 May, 1946 – 31 December, 2013

Robert E. Evans Funeral Home

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