Ernest Paul Maglich, Sr.

Ernest Paul "Ernie" Maglich, Sr. died just after midnight on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at his home in Overgaard, Arizona following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Ernie was 74 years old. Ernie was born on August 7, 1936 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York to the late James, Sr. and Julia (Zilay) Maglich. He was a 1954 graduate of Buffalo Tech High School in Buffalo, New York. In 1959, Ernie joined The United States Navy and served his country proudly for 4 years. Following his honorable discharge from the service, Ernie moved to Arizona and attended Phoenix College for 2 years, where he studied engineering. Ernie married the love of his life, Ellen Margaret McKernan on August 24, 1963 in Glendale, Arizona. They most recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary together. He worked for Arizona Public Service (A.P.S.) then Southwest Gas, as an electrician, for a total of 37 years. Ernie was a dedicated employee and well-liked by everyone he worked with. He was expert in his chosen profession and was looked up to by many. As a young man, Ernie played hockey. He was quite good at it and, frequently, could be found at the various ice-arenas with his friends. Also, as a young man, Ernie grew to love all kinds of sports; especially, bowling and golfing. He regularly played those sports throughout his life. He also was a T.V. sports enthusiast and would watch just about anything that had to do with scoring a point! Though his love of sports was great, Ernie had a greater love for his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, a loving father to his children, a doting grandpa to his grandchildren, a loyal son to his parents and a dependable brother to his siblings. Ernie is survived by: his wife, Ellen M. Maglich of Overgaard, Arizona; son, Ernest Paul "Ernie" Maglich, Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona; 2 daughters: Kathleen Gray (Rob) of Heber, Arizona, Maureen Trejo (Patrick, Sr.) of Glendale, Arizona; 9 grandchilden: Amanda Abbott, Brittany Saylor, Heather Hoopes (Jonathan), T.J. Saylor, Mark Ream, Amy Maglich, Anthony Trejo, Nicholas Trejo, Patrick Trejo, Jr.; 3 great-grandchildren: Caitlin Taylor, Brooke Taylor, Isabella Hoopes; 2 sisters: Elizabeth Nemeth of Melbourne, Florida and Irene Wiles (James) of Zephyrhills, Florida. In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his 3 brothers: James Maglich, Jr., Robert Maglich and Andrew Maglich. The funeral service for Ernie will commence at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W. Beardsley Road in Phoenix, Arizona where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service, with military honors, and interment will immediately follow at the Phoenix Memorial Gardens Cemetery at the same address. Ernie's family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for everyone who has expressed their sympathy to them through both thought and deed.