Ernest “Ernie” Aguallo, Jr., a longtime resident of Clifton, Arizona, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at his residence. He was 74.
Ernie was born to Ernesto “Cuate” and Jesusita “Chuchie” Aguallo on April 1, 1950. He attended Laugharn Elementary and graduated from Clifton High School in 1968. He went to Glendale Community College and Northern Arizona University. While at NAU he met his future wife, Cecilia. He held various jobs in Flagstaff, Arizona to support his family until moving back to Clifton in 1972. Ernie was employed by Phelps Dodge/Freeport-McMoran, retiring in 2009, then shortly thereafter he went to work for Greenlee County in the Public Works Department. In January 2012 he served as Jail Commander until his retirement in 2016.
Ernie served on the Clifton Unified School Board, was a member of the Clifton Booster Club, Clifton Sacred Heart Parish, volunteered for the Clifton Sacred Heart fundraisers, and Greenlee County Search & Rescue. He loved spending time with his family, loved the outdoors which included hunting, fishing horseback riding, attending ASU football games, and watching the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed working around the house and gardening. Ernie and Cecilia enjoyed spending the summer months in Alpine, Arizona.
Ernie is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Cecilia Aguallo; sons, Michael Aguallo (Erika), Christopher Aguallo; daughter, Marcella Aguallo; grandsons, Dakota and Marcus Aguallo; his mother, Jesusita Aguallo; sisters, Linda Rivera (Felix), Espie Castaneda (Johnny), and Elizabeth Aguallo; as well as uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by: his father, Ernest Aguallo, Sr.; and nephew, Billy Rivera.
The family is requesting a donation in memory of Ernie to Clifton Sacred Heart, Capital Investment Fund, P.O. Box 938, Clifton, Arizona, 85533.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, August 30, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clifton.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
