Ernest "Ernie" Pena Rosales

Ernest Pena Rosales (Ernie) passed away peacefully at home in Schertz, TX on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by his wife Teresa Perez Rosales, daughter Sandra Teresa Rosales (Sandie), son Ernesto Gregory Rosales (Greg) and daughter Jessica Annette Rosales (Jesse).

He was born on April 27, 1928, in East Los Angeles, CA, the second youngest child of Soledad Pena Rosales and Encarnacion Garcia Rosales. He grew up with 3 brothers and 4 sisters (Robert, Raul, Rudolph, Elvira, Carolyn, Juliet and Emily).

He graduated from High School in 1946, went on to study architecture, but ultimately decided to follow his calling, in his father’s footsteps as a general contractor, building homes, rather than drawing plans.

He worked as a general contractor, building and remodeling homes in the greater Los Angeles area and as a superintendent of large construction crews in commercial building projects, many of which still stand today.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Soledad Pena Rosales and Encarnacion Garcia Rosales as well as his siblings, Robert, Raul, Rudolph, Elvira, Carolyn, Juliet and Emily as well as his grandson Andrew Van Hunnik.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Teresa Perez Rosales, daughter Sandra Teresa Rosales, son Ernesto Gregory Rosales, daughters Jessica Annette Rosales, Christine Van Hunnik-Rosales Payne, Angela Van Hunnik- Rosales Tejeda, grandson Alejandro Van Hunnik Alfaro, granddaughters Ashlynn and Leyton Payne, as well as his beloved grand dogs, Cali, Suki and Zoey.

He was known for his great sense of humor, always making people laugh or putting a smile on people’s faces wherever he went. His kindness and generosity, always lending a helping hand, or offering a kind word of encouragement, to family, friend or stranger. A fair and righteous man. Leaving a lifelong impression on all those whose lives he touched.

One of the greatest gifts he instilled in his children was his steadfast faith in and love of God, unwavering and ever present throughout his life. He was not just the patriarch, but the heart and soul of his family, their rock and inspiration. Extending his love to all his family, 3 generations down. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

The family would like to thank Hope Hospice care givers, including RN’s Daisy, Abel and Allison, CNA ‘s Kathy and Maria, Social Workers Shannon and Stephanie, Volunteer’s Debbie and Sherieta, and Chaplin Joe, for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in their final days.

Family and friends will be invited, at a later date, to attend a Celebration of Life, at a yet to be determined location in Los Angeles, CA, where he requested his ashes be scattered, next spring on or near his heavenly birth date of April 27, 2027.