J. F. Rick Ernst

September 27, 1951 - August 2, 2013

J. F. Rick Ernst, 61, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon in a local hospital. He was born in Dallas, Texas and has lived in Benicia since 1991. Rick spent many years in Real Estate and developed his uncanny sense of knowing how to locate any place. Rick also spent several years with Mechanical Contractor Associations and then the United Associates Local 343, Plumbers & Pipefitters. He became a watchdog for local issues where he though he could make a positive difference. He was a member of the Solano County Fair Board and was a volunteer with C.A.S.A., an organization that helps local foster children, and the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Rick also was recently appointed to the Solano County Grand Jury. Rick was an avid supporter, volunteer, performer, former Board Member and Past President of the Benicia Old Town Theater. Rick is survived by his wife Donna; daughter Elizabeth (Brad) Normand; son David (Elaine) Ernst; stepdaughters Amy Rigsby and Audrey (David) Fry; his parents Fred & Jamie Ernst; his beloved grandchildren Morgan & Wyatt Fry and Cooper Ernst; sisters Nancy Fann, Joann Ernst & Toni Wardell; brother Joseph Ernst and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Peter & Jerry Ernst. Memorial services will be held 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel with Pastor Paul Yeager officiating. Family prefers donations in Rick's name be made to the Benicia Old Town Theater Group, P.O. Box 602, Benicia, CA 94510.