Ernest John Ibarolle ’50, Nov. 29, 1926 to Sep. 22, 2014. A resident of Walnut Creek, Ibarolle passed away peacefully on Sep. 22, 2014 in the presence of his loving wife, Joan. Born in Livermore, Calif., he was the only child of Ernest and Marie Ibarolle, and was very proud of his Basque ancestry. Ernie graduated from Livermore High School in 1944, where he served as student body president during his senior year. Ernie joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. At the end of World War II, Ernie entered Santa Clara University, where he graduated in 1950 and received his degree in accounting. He then began his thirty-ight year career with Del Monte Corporation as Purchasing Manager.
Ernie married the love of his life, Joan Whalen, on Sep. 20, 1953 at St. Michael’s Church in Livermore, and they recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. Ernie and Joan have lived for the last 50 years in Walnut Creek, where they raised their two children, Jay and Lisa. Ernie was a devoted husband and loving father. He had many friends from the various chapters of life with whom he remained close until his passing. Ernie was a parishioner at St. John Vianney Church, where he was a member of the Men’s Club. He was also a member of the Del Monte Retirees Dinner Group and the Bottom of the Barrel Club. A faithful 49er fan and a car enthusiast, he also loved to take walks and spend time in the garden. Ernie loved to travel, and he and Joan were fortunate to enjoy trips together to many wonderful destinations. One of the family’s much loved vacations was their annual Father’s Day celebration trip to Graeagle, Calfornia, a 45 year tradition.
Ernie is survived by his devoted wife, Joan, his son Jay (Leilani) Ibarolle, his daughter Lisa Mooring ’80 (married to Dave Mooring ’80), his granddaughter Elisabeth Mooring, grandsons Michael Mooring, EJ Ibarolle and Evan Ibarolle, his sister-in-law Margaret, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ernie will be dearly missed.