Ramon Ernesto Cruz y Zamorano passed on July 6, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Born in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia on September 14, 1948, Ernesto immigrated to Chicago in 1971 to attend DePaul University and study business. While there he met his wife of 46 years, Cynthia (Caceres). They would be blessed by two sons Ernesto (Anya) and Rodrigo (Matthew). He is also survived by Ernesto and Anya's children- two adoring grandsons Ramon and Salvador; as well as three adopted grandchildren, Clayton, Hector (Teresa), and Janyl, and two great-grandchildren, Tiago and Lucia.

Ernesto is also survived by his siblings Pedro Hernando, German, Leticia, and Sergio having been preceded in death by his sisters Astrid and Luisiana as well as his parents Ramon and Cecilia. Ernesto is also survived by a legion of nieces and nephews across three continents who remember their Tio Tico as funny, empathetic, and supportive. He was always the first one to call when you weren't seeing eye to eye with your parents.

A gifted educator who found his calling later in life, Ernesto would earn two master's degrees in education and inspire generations of middle schoolers to not only love math but life itself. Spending decades in the classroom teaching students to be not just good students, but also good people.

In retirement, Ernesto devoted himself to watching as much soccer as possible, fearing every Cubs' loss and attending every game or performance of Ramon and Salvador's. He also loved hearing about the accomplishments of his sons' friends and the children of those friends- having always made his home a welcoming place for all who needed a place to call home. About Ernesto, it's been said that "he taught me how big your heart has to be to be a father."

Funeral services are at 10 am on July 22 at Queen of Angels Church at Queen of Apostles Parish 2330 W. Sunnyside in Chicago.

Ernesto will be laid to rest in a private, family service at Maryhill Cemetary in Niles.