Ernesto Valdez, 49, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2012 in a local hospital. He is preceded in death by his father Gilberto Valdez Sr. He is survived by his loving wife of 3 years of marriage Maria Elena Valdez. Children, Jacqueline Valdez, Ernesto Valdez Jr. and Elizabeth Valdez. Grandchildren, Citlali Valdez and Aidan Valdez. Mother, Lorena L. Valdez. Sisters, Janie Pena, Amelia (Juan) De La Rosa and Yolanda Valdez. Brothers, Gilberto Valdez Jr., Arturo Valdez and Raul (Lourdes) Valdez. Step-daughters, Azenette Carrizales, Joyce Bautista, Gina Bautista and Stephanie Bautista. Also surviving him are numerous other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m in the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin at 8:05 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2013 departing from the funeral home chapel. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will then follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.