- Date Of Birth: July 7, 1976
- Date Of Death: January 9, 2022
- State: California
Ernesto Valenzuela, born and raised in Oxnard, California, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 9, 2022. He is survived by his parents (Ernie and Carmen), brothers (Jesus and Anthony), niece (Anissa), nephews (Gannon, Christian, David, and Daniel), and Sara Rojas, who he had loved like a daughter. He also leaves behind his wife, Dadesii Daniel and their children (Chloe Ramos, Kamar Wilson, and Kyrie Wilson), and their family. He brought them all so much joy. His eyes and smile would show his love and pride he had for them and the love they had for one another. There is also a very special circle of friends who were part of Ernesto and Didi’s lives. Together, they all formed another family, and were true blessings in his life for many years.
Ernesto grew up amongst family. He was blessed with the riches of close bonds with relatvies, many of whom were considered to be additional brothers and sisters. He graduated from Santa Clara High School, where he played and lettered in both football and track. Also while in high school, he had his first job at Otani’s Seafood, where he made good friends and learned to value and appreciate hard work.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1994-1998.After being honorably discharged from the Army, he attended and graduated from ITT Techinical Institute, with a computer engineering. He previously worked for The Raytheon Company and Zebra Technologies. Most recently, he worked for Harbor Freight, where he was the Supervisor of Product Support.
In 2003, Ernesto was asked by a friend to help him coach his son’s youth football team. That was the beginning of a lifelong passion for Ernesto. He embraced the North Oxnard Warriors Youth Football and Cheer Organization for numerous years as a coach, board member, and friend. He eventually moved on to the high school level, but was always willing to help with the youth in any way he could, sometimes coming straight from high school practice to youth practice.
His first high school coaching stop was at Oxnard High School. He coached at the Freshman and JV levels for several years before finally moving up to the Varsity level for 2 years. Because of the coaches and support at Oxnard High School, Ernesto was able to hone his craft, and really grew as both a coach and mentor. His final coaching stop was Hueneme High School. For 2 years, Hueneme High School was very important to Ernesto. The people and the children there held a big piece of his heart. Ernesto would often speak of how special a place it was. He was always so energetic about practice and games, and would gladly invite anyone to attend. The first home night game at the new field brought him so much joy. He frequently spoke of how positive an atmosphere it was, and how happy it made him to see the joy in everyone’s faces. Ernesto had a huge heart to help others and he glady and selflessly served people. Because of his love for football and helping others, he was able to help care for, teach, mentor, and be a positive influence for numerous people and built strong professional and personal relationships with so many others.
When he was not busy with football, Ernesto was with loved ones.
His entire family would like to thank everyone for their love and support, and for sharing their stories and memories. It has all been a huge comfort and blessing to know that Ernesto touched your life and that he was loved and cared for by so many. Every life has a purpose, and your words have painted a picture of how great his life was. Thank you.
