Ernest Joseph "Ernie" Mares, born August 21, 1935 in Chicago IL, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 in San Diego, CA. Born to Frank and Jana Mares, he had two siblings Mildred Malone (passed) and Frank Mares (passed). Ernie moved to California in 1956 after graduating from US Navy flight training, where he met the love of his life Geraldine Ann (nee Silveira).  Ernie and Gerri were married in February of 1961 and had three children:  Ernest Joseph "Joe" (Dana) Mares Jr, John Victor Mares, and Jennifer Lynn Mares.

Ernie served 24 years in the US Military including the Illinois National Guard and the United States Navy.  In his career as a Naval Aviator (fighter pilot), he flew over 150 combat missions from the decks of the USS Coral Sea and USS Enterprise aircraft carriers.  During his three tours of Vietnam, including the longest combat deployment in US Navy history, he was highly decorated with over 30 medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Navy Commendation Medals and fifteen Air Medals.  After retiring from the Navy and completing a second successful career in the Defense industry, he retired.

Ernie spent his leisure time involved in aviation, obtaining his Flight Instructor certification and teaching his two sons and countless others how to fly.  He made many lifelong friendships amongst both military and civilian aviators and was always a fixture at Montgomery Field where he kept his beloved Beechcraft Bonanza.  He held an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was a talented author and was published in numerous periodicals and magazines.

Nothing meant more to Ernie than his family which was his constant source of pride.  Ernie is survived by his wife of 61 years, his children and his grandchildren, Kenneth Grayson Mares and Emery Brennan Mares.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 am, at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church, 3131 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. Interment services with military honors will be at 1 pm at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA  92101.