Ernest Trujillo

Ernest Valdez Trujillo, age 87, of Brawley, CA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday,
December 10, 2025. Ernest was born on September 1, 1938, in Brawley, Ca., to Frank
and Angelina Trujillo. Ernest was raised in the cities of Calipatria and Brawley, Ca. along
with his siblings. Ernest attended schools in Calipatria and in Brawley. Ernest played
football, basketball, and ran track while in school. Ernest was employed by multiple
Imperial Valley agricultural companies at a young age, to financially assist his family.
Ernest was later employed at Imperial Valley College as a Custodian in the gymnasium,
where he worked for 35 years. On December 4, 1976, he married the love of his life
Maria Carmen Zaragoza. Together, Ernest and Carmen raised three sons: Ernest
Trujillo Jr., Jimmy Trujillo and Alex Trujillo. Ernest was a devoted husband, father,
grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew him. He
worked hard throughout his life, taking pride in everything he did, and providing
steadfastly for his family. His dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic served as an
inspiration to everyone around him. More than anything, Ernest loved his family -
especially his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and laughter. He cherished
every moment spent with them, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Ernest
could be found at the baseball fields, basketball courts, and soccer fields where he
would cheer on his grandchildren and at their school assemblies being proud of their
achievements. Ernest also loved spending time at casinos with his wife and family.
Ernest was known for his warm smile, welcoming kind heart, zest for life, and infectious
laughter. Ernest was respected and loved by all who knew him. He is survived, by his
loving wife of 49 years, Maria Carmen Zaragoza Trujillo, sons and daughters in-law,
Ernest (Rachel) Trujillo Jr., Jimmy (Nancy) Trujillo, and Alex (Michelle) Trujillo. His ten
beloved grandchildren. Sisters and Brothers in-law; Dora (Tony) Chacon, Rachel
(Arthur) Bracamonte and Norma Grijalva; and many extended family members. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Angelina Trujillo. Brothers and sister-in-
law, Dario Trujillo and Frank and Margarita Trujillo. Sisters and brother-in-law, Angelina
Trujillo, Yolanda and Victor Quinones. Services for Ernest will be held on Friday,
January 9, 2026, from 6-9p.m. with Rosary beginning at 7p.m., at Frye Chapel &
Mortuary in Brawley, Ca. A mass will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10 a.m.
at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Brawley, Ca. Burial to follow at Riverview
Cemetery, Brawley, Ca.
Ernest’s love, kindness, and strength will live on in our hearts. Ernest was truly a great
man, friend, husband, father, brother and the best Tata.