Ernesto Jose Perea
"Uncle Ernie"
23 May 1949 - 15 October 2026
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Obituary:
Jose Ernesto “Ernie” Perea
May 23, 1949 – October 15, 2026
Jose Ernesto “Ernie” Perea, lovingly known as Uncle Ernie, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by close friends and family at Inhora House. Born in Los Lunas, New Mexico, on May 23, 1949, Ernie lived a life filled with creativity, hard work, kindness, and love for those around him.
Ernie lived with epilepsy from the age of nine, but it did not diminish his desire to stay active, create beautiful things, and help others. He took pride in working with his hands, whether woodworking, sanding, making benches, picture frames, and belts, or bringing broken furniture back to life. In the 1970s, he and his brother-in-law, Pat Aragon, made and sold ojos de Dios, colorful woven crafts that found their way into many homes.
If something needed fixing or someone needed a helping hand, Uncle Ernie was there. He helped build pergolas, sand decks, and build or repair fences. He also enjoyed cleaning yards and often spoke of the pride he felt when he could stand back and admire a freshly finished yard. Helping others brought him both purpose and joy.
Some of his greatest happiness came from making his nieces and nephews laugh. His niece Patricia holds especially dear the years Uncle Ernie and her grandfather cared for her while her parents worked. Their days together included city bus rides, meals at the Kmart and St. Joseph Hospital cafeterias, and time spent making crafts. He taught her to make ojos de Dios, passing along both his creativity and memories she will always treasure. His loving care later extended to her children and grandchildren.
Ernie also knew how to bring people together through food. His beans with bacon and homemade tortillas were family favorites, remembered with as much affection as the hands that made them.
Later in life, Ernie found a spiritual home as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Through his faith and congregation, he formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed attending assemblies and sharing meals with friends. Many spoke of what a kind man he was. The steady visits he received during his final months in the hospital and hospice reflected the love so many felt for him.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita Luna Perea and Jose Ignacio Perea; his brothers, Leroy Perea, Raymond Perea, and David Vigil; and his sisters, Mary “Shona” Perea and Isabel Nanez.
He is survived by his sister, Theresa Aragon (Pat), and brother, Marvin Perea; many nieces and nephews; and the many friends who called him family.
His family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers at Inhora House for the exceptional care and compassion they provided during his final days, and to everyone who visited and surrounded him with love.
Uncle Ernie will be remembered in the things he built, the skills he shared, the laughter he brought, and the many everyday moments that became treasured memories.
