ERNESTO DOMINGO DE LEON's Obituary
Ernesto “Ernie” Domingo De Leon, 67, lost his battle with cancer and returned to his Creator in Heaven on Thursday, January 9, 2014 in Hayward, California. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.Ernesto Domingo De Leon was born in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines on April 13, 1946. He was the first born of Santos Magtanong De Leon and Rosalina Domingo De Leon. Their family grew as Ernesto would be joined by two brothers and three sisters. His father owned a farm and ran a boat (bangka) making business.Ernesto attended grade school at Tomas PinPin Elementary School. He attended High School at Arellano National High School. While in high school, he was an avid volleyball and basketball player. He also worked part time at his Uncle Manuel’s businesses as a ceramic maker and a fisherman.After high school, Ernesto took vocational courses at Bataan National School of Arts and Trade before entering the Far Eastern Aeronautics University. He used the skills he gained in vocational school while working at a refrigerator and air conditioner assembling company. He later transferred to Adamson University in Manila.While attending college he worked for Fundador, a liquor company. He met Virginia Tayag while conducting business with Tabacalera, a Cigar Company where she worked. The two married in 1968. After Ernesto graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1972, he worked for Fabcon Philippines Inc. as a Production Manager. He and his wife started a family in Manila, and together had four children. Ernesto was determined to provide a good future for his family. In 1980, he made the decision to work overseas in the United States. He persevered through hardships during his early years working overseas. He worked jobs as a doorman, taxi and limousine driver. After the passing of Ernesto’s wife he petitioned for his four children to come to the United States.During this time, Ernesto met and married his second wife Ellen Chen and together they had a daughter. The three of them resided in Pittsburg, California. In the late 1980’s, he opened businesses such as Josephine of the Island Club in San Francisco and established EDL Maintenance and Janitorial Services. Ernesto was also president of the Abukeño Association of Northern California. He enjoyed spending his spare time at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows race tracks with his friends.In 2000, Ernesto made the decision to retire and returned to Abucay. In 2001, he met and married his third wife, Amalia Navoa, a widow with three children whom he helped raise and guide. During his time in Abucay, he built more businesses. He founded and created the Bataan Greenhills Resort with his siblings and cousins. He then founded the businesses Abucay Purified Water Station, Abucay Aqua Farm, and Ernestown Bar and Grill. Ernesto also ran for Town Councilor during the 2007 and 2010 Philippine elections. Ernesto enjoyed playing Golf and was a member of the Mimosa Senior Golfers Association in Angeles City, Pampanga and The Peninsula Golf Club in Limay, Bataan. Ernesto was always willing to share his blessings with his family and friends, as well as with anyone who asked for his help.Ernesto will definitely be missed by his family, as well as by his many friends, whom he helped and inspired. As he rests from his life’s long labor, this husband, father, brother and friend should know that he has made his family proud. The world was made a better place because of Ernesto De Leon.Ernesto is survived by his mother Rosalina; his wife Amy; his children from his first marriage: Alvin, Rosalie, Josephine, and Maria Fe; his daughter from his second marriage, Kathleen; his step-children: John Rick, Patrick, and Camille; his grandchildren: Christian, Russmar, Angelo, and the soon to be born Toure; his brothers and sisters: Lorenzo, Basilio, Aurora, Gloria and Cora. On Friday, January 17, 2014, from 9am to 12pm, a service celebrating Ernesto’s life will be held at Chapel of the Chimes located at 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544.
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