September 6, 1929 - September 2, 2023
Ernest "Ernie" A. Merino passed away on September 2, 2023, surrounded by family at his home in Menifee, California. He was 93 years old.
Born in Somerton, Arizona on September 6, 1929, Ernie was the first child of Jose-Maria Soto Merino and Dolores Arvizu Merino.
During World War II, the family moved from Yuma to California.
Ernie attended San Diego High School where he met Connie Carrasco, the love of his life. Ernie graduated in 1948 and Connie in 1950.
On August 27, 1950, the two were married in San Diego.
Drafted in 1951, Ernie served in the U.S. Army for two years in Georgia and New Jersey before transferring to the California National Guard in National City.
Ernie rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1955.
As a young man Ernie played the alto saxophone in several bands in and around San Diego. He had a lifelong love and appreciation for all kinds of music.
Ernie had a varied professional career, starting at Fosters Market in San Diego as a teenager, and included working for the City of San Diego, and as an engineer with several San Diego-based high-tech electronic companies. Some of his work in the 1960s contributed to the Apollo Space Program.
In retirement, Ernie learned to play the guitar, traveled on cruises around the world with Connie, and enjoyed the company of his family and many good friends. The San Diego Padres brought great joy to his life, no matter how they did.
Following the passing of Connie in 2018, Ernie continued to live at the family home in La Mesa until January 2023 when he moved to Menifee to live with his son Chuck and to be closer to family.
Ernie is survived by his daughter Yvonne "Voni" Merino-Hunneman (John) of Murrieta; son Charles "Chuck" Merino of Menifee; grandsons Jon Hunneman (Catrina) of Placentia; and Damon Hunneman (Ashley) of Murrieta; and great grandchildren Alex, Caleigh and Eben Hunneman of Placentia.
He is also survived by his siblings Ann-Marie, Joe, Fred, and Rich, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Ernie was preceded in death by Connie, his wife of 68 years, his parents and two sisters, Delia and Roberta.
A visitation for Ernest will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Goodbody Mortuary, 5027 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA 92102. A graveside service will follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Merino family.
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