Ernest Francis Urrutia

Ernest Francis Urrutia, 85 of Grapevine, Texas, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away on 27 January 2024 in Prosper, Texas. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering love.

Ernest F. Urrutia was born in San Salvador, El Salvador to Francisco A. Urrutia and Ofelia Quintanilla Urrutia on 8 November 1938. Ofelia, Ernie (age 3), Maurice (10) and Yolanda (5) left San Salvador, El Salvador in 1943. His grandparents (Francisco and Mercedes Moz Urrutia) were already living in New York, and they were the sponsors needed to enter the county. Ofelia and the children drove through Guatemala to Mexico and stayed in the south of Mexico for about 10 days. They stayed at the home of a friend of his grandfather's whom he had met when he volunteered to fight during the Mexican Revolution. They then took a train and traveled to El Paso followed by a bus ride to New York City.

As a young boy, Ernest was called by his nickname Netio at home. He was very small for his age and was also called Peewee by friends. He was sweet, kind and generous. He was an A student and very conscientious. Always a hard worker he delivered the Brooklyn Eagle Newspaper to the neighbors.

Ernest went to high school at Cardinal Hayes High School and was a good student. He worked in a gas station for spending money. After high school, he worked and attended college at night. He worked for Trans Caribbean Airlines then American Airlines. A dedicated professional, Ernest enjoyed a successful career as and Airline Executive for American Airlines, where his expertise and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike. He approached every project with diligence and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on the communities that he served.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ernest was known for his kind and compassionate nature. He had a knack for making everyone feel valued and appreciated, and his warm smile could brighten even the darkest of days. Ernest had a passion for giving back to his community, volunteering his time with the Grapevine Police Department.

He was a devoted husband to Sonia Urrutia, his wife of 40 years, as well as a loving father to his children and grandchildren. Ernest will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the legacy of love, kindness, and integrity he leaves behind. A true mentor, a wonderful man, and a loving father.

He is survived by his loving children, Ernest, Alex, Ana and Maria; cherished grandchildren, Austin, Shannon, Sterling, Philip, Dominic, Christopher, Alexa, Isabela and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Community- 1000 Tinker Road, Colleyville, TX 76034 on 6 March 2024 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034

Memorial Donations may be made to The National Kidney Foundation:

https://www.kidney.org/

For those loved ones who wish to view the Mass, here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFcT7w3mSKc