

Ernesto F. Riojas, loving husband, father and grandfather, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 72 on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. Ernie was born to Ernesto G. Riojas and Dora Fuentes Riojas, on January 16, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Gloria Riojas; brother, Antonio Riojas (wife Margie Riojas); former wife, Blanca Neaves, and their daughter, Martha Estela Costello, son Ernest Joseph Riojas, daughter Sandy Marie Pastrano, and son Eric James Riojas (wife Rachel Riojas); former wife Rose Riojas, and their daughter Roxanne Jennings (husband Michael Jennings); step-daughters Jennifer Amador (husband Pablo Amador), Natalie Guzman (husband David Guzman), step-son Michael Ruiz; grandchildren Isaac, Lucas, Jacob, Ethan, and Charlee; step-grandchildren Makenzie, Hudson, Chloe, and Ember; niece Christina Robinson (husband Donnie Robinson and children Royce and Roman), nephew Tony Riojas (wife Ashley Riojas) and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ernesto G. Riojas and Dora Fuentes Riojas and several aunts and uncles.
Ernie graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1970 where he served as Drill Team Commander of the Chaminade Guard. In his command, they won first place in all their local and national competitions. He then joined the Air Force Reserves 433rd Weapon System Security Flight from 1974-1980. Ernie gave 26 years of service to the San Antonio Police Department and retired as a Lieutenant in 1999. During his time as an SAPD officer, he received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration degree from Texas State University in 1989. He continued his law enforcement career as Chief of Police for several school districts including Harlandale, Judson, and Austin ISD’s. Most recently, he was Co-Owner of Omega Protective Group, Inc. for the last 31 years.
Ernie loved his family, friends, and his brothers in blue. His other loves included Harley Davidson motorcycles, all sports (especially the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys), Las Vegas, fishing, classic rock (especially ZZ Top), hunting, playing golf, watching movies, the beach/going to Cabo, traveling, and of course, making people laugh. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on through his family and friends.
A visitation and prayer service for Ernie will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM for immediate family, 5:00 - 8:00 PM for family and friends at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228. A committal will occur Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 11:45 AM -12:15 PM at Cordi-Marian Resurrection Cemetery, 11624 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253, followed by a Celebration of Life Reception at VFW 8795, Fm 1560 N, San Antonio, TX 78254.
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