Ernes Rivas Jr , April 09, 1938 — April 01, 2019

Ernest Rivas Jr., 80, of Salinas, California, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 1, 2019 after a long struggle with cancer. Ernie was born in Watsonville, California on April 9, 1938. He lived in Salinas his whole life where he worked with his parents at El Charrito Market.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and was proud of his military service. Ernie retired at the age of 54 after suffering a stroke. He was a member of the Salinas Elks Lodge.

He loved to plan trips in his motor-home, his favorite destination being San Felipe, Mexico. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Rivas Sr. and Petra Rivas and his sister Elizabeth Sanchez. Ernie is survived by his wife of 38 years, Flora; his little dog BabyBug; brother George Rivas of Cloverdale; sons Tony and Jeff Rivas of Salinas; daughter “Nini” of Portugal; adopted daughters Dr. Tammy Deventuri of Tenessee and Donna Deventuri of Florida.

He was blessed with three grandchildren, Raphael, Andrea and Nicole. At Ernie’s request, no services were held. His ashes will be placed at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, California with a private military service at a later date.

“Your memory is my keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart”. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

A special thanks to the staff at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

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