RIP Ernie Fuentes

March 26, 2016

Ernest Concha Fuentes (Ernie) passed away on March 5, 2016 in San Mateo, California. He was born on June 1, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents Simon Fuentes and Antonia Concha Mendez, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Simon and Terry Fuentes; his brother, Daniel Arthur Mendez; his brother-in-law Edward Zuniga and nephew, Charles Zuniga (Chuck).

Ernie is survived by three children, son and daughter-in-law, Ernesto and Beverly Fuentes; grandchildren, Damien, Joseph and Erin Fuentes, and Feliz (Alan) Montpellier; Great grandchildren, Kathryn, Aimee, and Amira.—Second son, David Fuentes; grandson and spouse, David Aaron (Gricelda) Fuentes and great grandchildren, Giana and Isabel Fuentes; — and daughter and son-in law, Cynthia and James Medina; grandchildren, Brandon (Sara), Jonathan, and Alisha Medina and great grandchildren, Alexander and Lucinda Medina.

He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Zuniga of San Gabriel, CA; brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Priscilla Mendez of Henderson, Nevada; sister-in-law Linda Mendez; as well as nieces, nephews and many other family members.

Ernie spent most of his childhood in Los Angeles, but he lost his father at a young age and later spent a portion of his youth in El Paso Texas with extended family. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Los Angeles he joined the Navy and was trained as an aviation machinist and medic. From there he developed a life-long passion for flying small aircraft and purchased his own airplane, a Bonanza. His navy experience also spearheaded his career working as a paramedic for the City of Los Angeles and later for the studios in the movie industry. Working for the studios gave him opportunities to travel extensively and later to join the Screen Actors Guild as an actor. He had many varied parts in movies and television programs.

Ernie was a lifelong enthusiast for learning. He read extensively, learning many of the intricacies of his hobbies: Ham radio operation, chess tournaments, drawing and sketching, electronics, building models and soap box derby cars, and enjoying jazz and Latino music.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, 820 N. Garfield Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640.

Born: 6/1/1925, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Died: 3/5/2016, San Mateo, California, U.S.A.

Emperor of the North – 1973 [first aid]

Mackintosh and T.J. – 1975 [first aid]

Zorro and the Son (TV) – 1983 (peasant)