Ernest L. Baralt

Son of Olga and Joaquin Lopez Baralt, he is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary; son Bill, his wife Anna, and their children Cai and Lilianna of Clearwater, FL; daughter Beth Cory, her husband Bruce, and their children Michael, Eileen, and Andrew of Tampa, FL; son Mike, his wife Jennifer, and their children Ashlyn and Alicia of Clearwater, FL; and daughter Tricia Roberts, her husband Jack, and their children Will and Emma of Huntsville, AL. He is also survived by his sister Olga DeGuenther of Atlanta, GA and brothers Jack Baralt of Clearwater, FL and Cay Baralt of Miami, FL.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, his early years were spent in White Plains, NY. As a sophomore in high school, he moved with his family to Havana,Cuba where he attended Ruston Academy. Upon high school graduation in 1955, he moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where he attended Lehigh University. After college he worked in New York City before moving to Miami in 1963. Ernie made Clearwater his final home in 1971 when he opened a branch office of McCaughan Mortgage Company. He headed the Clearwater office for 40 years and was joined by both his sons who continue his legacy with McCaughan. Ernie will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and love of music and books. His greatest joys were spending time with his family and traveling the world.

Visitation at Moss Feaster, Belcher Road on Friday, March 4 from 6 – 8pm. Funeral services at Light of Christ Catholic Church on Saturday, 11 am. Interment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kimberly Home Pregnancy Resource Center.