
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1932, Ernie was 75 when he died. At age 5, Ernie and his family moved to Redondo Beach from Michigan. He graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1950, and later graduated from USC. He was a war veteran who served honorably in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Ernie worked for 34 years in the Manhattan Beach City School District, from 1958 to 1992. As he was a distinguished and respected educator, the City of Manhattan Beach declared June 5th, 1992 "Ernie Donlou Day" as recognition of his achievements and numerous awards in education.
Ernie was an avid sports enthusiast who loved to play paddle tennis, golf and watch USC football. Ernie was known for his compassion, kindness, love for children, teaching and will always be remembered for his easy going manner, fun loving ways, and ready wit. Ernie was known affectionately as "Coach" to many of the kids he taught baseball to at Sunset Little League and as Papou to his grand kids and family. Some of his favorite things to do each day from his home on the Esplanade was to watch the surfers, look for dolphins, play with his grandchildren and most importantly enjoy the sunset with his wife Sophia. Ernie always felt that seeing a dolphin in the morning meant good luck for him all day.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sophia. Together they had three children: George (Lynn) Donlou of San Diego; Chris (Kelly) Donlou of Torrance; and Julie (David) Elliott of Redondo Beach. His beloved grandchildren are Sean, Chad, Paige, Chase, Blake, Krista, Cory, Melissa and great grandchildren Sean Ryder and Noah. Ernie is also survived by his mother Julia who turned 96 in April and his brother Gordon. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, George Donlou, a respected businessman and community leader. During the formative years of Redondo Beach the Donlou family owned and operated three markets known as the Donlou Brothers Market.
The Trisagion will be held at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach on Monday July 28, 2008 at 7pm. The Service will be held Tuesday at 10am. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. Luncheon will be held at the Church following the Graveside service. In lieu of flowers or other gifts it was Ernie's wish that well wishers donate any funds to the Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church that his family help found.
May God bless you: Soul Mate, Dad, Son, Papou, Teacher, Coach and Friend. You will be greatly missed!
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