Ernesto Daniel Longoria, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 17, 2025, in Laredo, Texas.
Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents, Juan F. Longoria and Minnie Capra Longoria, and his brother, William Longoria.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Zulema Longoria; his beloved children, William Longoria, and Cristina Longoria; and his cherished grandchildren, Daniel Cardona, Josef Coronado, Cassandra Coronado, William Longoria Jr., and Zoe Longoria. He is also survived by his brothers Juan Longoria, Marcos Longoria, and David Longoria, sisters-in-law Maria Teresa Rodriguez, Elodia Jimenez, Grace Truitt, and brother-in-law Joe Villarreal. Ernesto is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him greatly.
Ernesto was a proud alumnus of St. Joseph’s Academy and a graduate of Nixon High School. Answering the call of duty, he enlisted in the United States Army on February 24, 1969, and honorably served his country during the Vietnam War from July 16, 1969, to July 17, 1970. He was honorably discharged on February 23, 1975.
After returning home, Ernesto began his professional journey at La Posada Hotel before dedicating the majority of his career to the United Independent School District Food Production Center. Over his 35 years of service, Ernesto was more than a supervisor; he was a mentor, a guide, and a pillar of support for countless coworkers who looked up to him.
Ernesto’s passions included hunting, shooting, and gunsmithing. He found his peace and joy at the shooting range, surrounded by his tools, his firearms, and the familiar scent of gunpowder.
Ernesto Daniel Longoria will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his service to his country, his leadership, and his deep love for the simple things that brought him joy. His legacy lives on through all who knew and loved him.
The family will be receiving guests on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on April 23, 2025, and the chapel doors will open at 8:00 AM. The procession will depart the funeral home at 9:45 AM for the mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Funeral mass will begin at 10:00 AM. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard. Cremation will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
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