Ernesto " Ernie" Vasquez, Jr.

Ernesto “Ernie” Vasquez, was called home to heaven on April 29, 2026, at the age of 54. Born on June 15, 1971, Ernesto lived a life centered on family, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the students and community he served.

Ernie knew from an early age that he wanted to be a coach. A proud graduate of Edinburg High School, Class of 1989, that dream became a reality when he earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas–Pan American in 2005. He dedicated 20 plus years of his life to education and mentorship, coaching at Harwell Middle School and at the Juvenile Detention Center. Through his work, he poured into the lives of young athletes, helping shape not only their skills in sports but also their character, discipline, and confidence.

Ernie had a deep love for sports that was evident to all who knew him. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, Florida State Seminoles, and Denver Broncos. Whether cheering on his teams with friends and family or coaching his students from the sidelines, sports were his passion and a way he connected with others. He also enjoyed barbecuing, often bringing family and friends together to share good food and drinks, laughter, and meaningful moments.

He is survived by his loving father Ernesto Vasquez Sr., sister Jessica (Alex Garcia) Vasquez, Uncles Andres (Anna) Lozano; Felipe (Carolina) Lozano; Elias (Sonia) Lozano; and Pete G. (+Yolanda) Vasquez; and Aunts Andrea (+Nestor) Garza; Licha (Alberto) Gonzalez; Lola (Mario) Maldonado; Diana V. Galvan; Angelita T. (+Joe R.)Vasquez and many cousins and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Soledad S. Vasquez; maternal grandparents Emma G. and Elias Lozano; paternal grandparents Guadalupe and Virginia Vasquez; Uncles Joe R. Vasquez and Nestor Garza; Aunts Yolanda Vasquez; Emma T. Lozano and Laura E. Rueda; and cousin Jarred A. Lozano.

Ernie will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for mentoring youth, and the warmth and joy he brought into every space he entered. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched as a first-born son and grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, coach, teacher, and friend.

The Vasquez family would like to acknowledge J. Gonzalez LVN for recognizing the warning signs of Ernie’s illness at work. Without you, we would not have known of his illness and been able to aid him in his journey these last several weeks. And finally, we would like to give a special thank you to Nurses Teresa, Claudia, Linda, and Elizabeth at DHR Rehabilitation Hospital in Edinburg who took care of Ernie for 3 weeks. Their compassion and patience will not be forgotten. 

Visitation services will be held on Monday May 4th, at Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations, 1300 N. I-69 C Frontage Rd. in Edinburg with a private family viewing from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a public viewing from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and a rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m.

In honor of Ernie’s love for sports, the family kindly invites attendees (not mandatory) to wear their favorite sports team attire to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg at 702 Cullen St, Edinburg, TX 78541.

Funeral and Cremation arrangements are being handled by Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations of Edinburg,Texas

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