Ernest A. Moreno

Ernest A. Moreno or “Ernie" passed away after a brief illness. A native Tucsonan, he was one of nine children born to Loreto and Lydia Moreno. Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Aurora; son, Mario; grandson, Michael; daughter-in-law, Kathryn (Martin); sisters, Lydia, Romelia, Emma, Raquel, Beatriz, Juanita, and brothers, Francisco and John. Surviving Ernie are his children, Martin (Elba), Jerry (Monica), Leonor (Howard), eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Throughout their childhoods, Ernie and most of his siblings learned the meaning of arduous work. To help support the family during the eras of the Great Depression and World War II, the majority held part-time jobs either before or after school. During World War II, trains ferrying soldiers stopped momentarily in Tucson. Since individual soldiers could not disembark from the train, Ernie would run errands for them buying drinks, snacks, and other items. Daily, he arrived home with pockets full of silver dollars. His mother, Lydia, would count the money earned that day and take possession of every cent. Completing demanding work tasks and caring for one’s family were character traits firmly instilled in Ernie and many of his siblings.

Ernie worked as an automotive mechanic in several local garages. He opened his own garage, which he operated for over twenty years. Numerous clients became lifelong friends who regularly spent time at the garage grilling chicken or steak for lunch and talking of times past or telling jokes. Uproarious laughter was their common language. One could always tell what type of day our dad was having by the number of profane words emitted from underneath a car or the hood of an engine on which he was working. Our dad was notorious for giving you his opinion whether you asked him for it or not. After retiring and selling his garage, he became his neighborhood’s caretaker. He regularly prepared meals for several neighbors who were widowers using the delivery of food as a means of checking the welfare of lifelong friends. One by one, he witnessed the passing of neighbors and family members, with each death taking a piece of his heart.

As children, our parents served as role models and guided our paths as we matured into adults. Our dad instilled in each of us the need to work hard to care for our families. He passionately believed that this was his mission in life, to provide for his family. Dad, mom, and you exceeded all expectations in this regard. You ensured that we always had more than enough to eat every day, new clothes whenever we outgrew what we were wearing, medical care and so much more. We can never fully express our gratitude for everything that you sacrificed for us.

In his later years, our dad suffered several health issues that required someone to constantly be with him. Jerry and I wish to express our sincere gratitude to our sister Leonor, her husband Howard, our cousin Emma, daughter-in-law Elba, and family friends Eva and Alvaro for the care and support that they provided to our dad.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, October 24, 2025, Sensible Funerals and Cremation, 109 W. Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85705. Immediately following the memorial service there will be a reception at St. Joseph’s Parish, 215 S. Craycroft Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85711 inside of Healy Hall.