Former Antioch resident Ernesto (Ernie) Pigati passed away from a brief illness on Saturday, Sept. 17 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Ernie spent many years in Antioch. He attended Antioch High School and played football there. He graduated in 1946 and was honored years later in the Antioch Football Hall of Fame. Ernie opened the original Antioch Plumbing in the 1960s on Rossi Avenue. He built his business little by little and became well known to his customers as a kind, generous and considerate businessman.

When Ernesto was his 40s, he moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where a few years later he opened Ernesto’s Good Grub, a small neighborhood restaurant, with his wife, Dionecia.

He also served as a hunting and fishing guide for tourists and friends on their trips to Mexico. Ernesto lived his life on his own terms and had the courage to follow his dreams. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he met along the way.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Dionecia Pigati; his daughters, Marta and Jackie of Puerto Vallarta; daughter, Paula Pigati; son, Nick A. Pigati; and sisters, Lila, Theresa and Elizabeth. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in Puerto Vallarta.