Ernest Meza Jr.'s Obituary
Ernest Meza Jr., 79 of San Diego, CA passed away on November 29, 2020 at Kaiser Hospital after suffering a heart attack on Nov the 8th.
He was born on November 19, 1941 in San Diego, son of the late Ernest and Leonila Meza and was the oldest of their 6 children. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pauline Meza; their four children, Ernie, Richard, Robert and Rozanna. He was preceded in death by one brother (Felix Meza) and one grandchild (Cory Meza). He is survived by his siblings (Henry, Virginia, Shirley, and Marilyn) and 11 grandchildren (Rick, Kristin, Monica, Alexis, Adriana, Angel, Xavier, Riley, Jerry lll, Ernie, and Myra).
He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, where he played baseball and was a varsity wrestler. After graduation he worked at Earl Schieb as an auto detailer, and later at US Polymeric in production. In 1968, he began a career at NASSCO, where he started as a waysman and worked his way up to an Assistant Superintendent. At the time of his retirement in 2000 he held the highest position of any employee with Mexican descent.
Ernest was a devout family man. Together with his wife, they raised their children and supported them in all their sports and activities. Ernest loved all sports with an exceptional passion for baseball. Not only did he play in a local SD league in his younger years but he was a coach for most of his life. First coaching his brother along with his dad, then his sons and later his grandsons. Touching not only their lives but many who consider him their mentor and role model, still referring to him simply as ‘Coach’. He loved people, he enjoyed hearing their stories and getting to know them, He was always willing to offer a smile to everyone he met.
Aside from baseball, Ernest had many hobbies that included gardening and collecting matchbox/hot wheels cars. He has quite the display of both in his home. He loved attending the Padres and Aztec games with his family, doing projects with his kids, being a grandpa and spending time with his family. He enjoyed attending many of San Diego’s local annual events like the San Diego County Fair and December nights, along with attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Ernest was funny, witty, supportive, full of life and a true kid at heart. His absence will be felt by all who knew and loved him.
No services have been planned at this time.
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