Ernie Reda was born in Bishop, Ky., on Oct. 18, 1957 and passed away at home in Mariposa on July 8, 2025.
He moved to San Jose at the age of four where he grew up and spent the majority of his life.
He was an avid skateboarder when he was young and was sponsored at one point. He could do handstands and other tricks on his skateboard and once jumped over 10 kids at an assembly.
Ernie met Sally at a bar in San Jose and it was love at first sight. He helped raise her daughters, Jessica and Amber Marchana, ages two and one at the time.
Ernie and Sally married in 1987 and had son Landon and then — 10 years later — daughter Emma in 1997. The family moved to Oakhurst in 2000. The couple divorced in 2011.
Reda was an artist and participated in many exhibits and shows later in life. He was an electrician for 37 years and could literally build or draw anything.
He captivated an audience with his storytelling and was quite the entertainer. His laugh was infectious and he could make anyone laugh. He was a walking dad joke and proud of it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie Reda and Carmella Gondalfo Reda.
Ernie is survived by his siblings Paul Reda and Frances Reda and his children Jessica Marchana, Amber Harmon (Mark), Landon Reda ( Jennifer) and Emma Schutz (Hunter). He leaves behind five grandchildren: Jared, Norah, Gavin, Violet and Stafford.
Ernie was optimistic, wise and so positive. He would get excited about the simplest things and was an inspiration to his family.
You may not remember all that he said or did but you will remember how he made you feel.
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