Ernesto Galinato Cardenas

Ernesto (Ernie) Galinato Cardenas, Sr., 80 years old, of Elk Grove, CA passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from cancer-related complications.

Ernie was born in the countryside of Banaoang, Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He graduated high school from Mapꞿa Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines. After emigrating from the Philippines to Oahu, Hawaii in 1967, he continued his education as a Political Science major at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Ernie took courses at the Honolulu Business College and studied Data Processing. He was a district manager for the Metropolitan Insurance Company. He was also a real estate broker and Administrator for Cardenas Care Homes for the Elderly for 15 years.

Ernie was a member of the Lions Club International, Maharlika Chapter (Hawaii, San Jose, and Sacramento) and Fil-Am Sacramento Golf Club (original member), Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii (member), and Santanian of Hawaii (member). Ernie had many hobbies and interests ranging from basketball to singing. He is also the original announcer of the famous KISA Radio in Hawaii. However, his favorite past times were golf, fishing, and loved to read. As an avid traveler, his adventures took him far and wide. He was blessed to have circled the world multiple times experiencing the pyramids of Egypt, the Faberge eggs in Russia, Italy, Israel, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Croatia, Morocco, London and his beloved, adopted home state of Hawaii, and his homeland, the Philippines. Ernie was a joyful person who loved sharing food, wine, knowledge, and recreation. He loved life, but loved his wife, children, and grandchildren most. 

Ernie was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Enrique B. Cardenas and Maria Asunción G. Cardenas and brother, Dominador Cardenas. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Necita Dandoy Cardenas and five children: Erlynn (m. Shawn Jackson), Emerson, Edlynn, Ernesto Jr. (m. Jennifer Somera-Cardenas), and Eric. Ernie’s legacy lives on with his treasured grandchildren: Jaden, Jenessa, Jaela, Kyler, Kiya, Kyla, Elijah Jeren (EJ), and Kason. He leaves behind four granddogs: Qupid, Coco, Zuko, and Kona. Ernie’s surviving siblings are Filomena (Lomen) Batinga (m. Dominador), Senie Conaty, and Jaime Cardenas (m. Angelita), and extended family.

The viewing service will be held at East Lawn Elk Grove (9189 East Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove, 95624) on Wednesday, February 21 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (9539 Racquet Ct, Elk Grove, CA 95758) on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Committal service will be held after the funeral mass at East Lawn Elk Grove.