After a full 93 years of life, Ernest (Ernie) Victor Domenichelli, born March 18, 1929 in Geyserville, passed peacefully on September 24, 2022 in McKinleyville.

If you had time, Ernie would love to tell you a story or two about baseball which was his passion. Ernie was drafted out of high school by the San Francisco Seals (San Francisco Baseball Club, Inc.), and he played for the Salt Lake City Bees, Yakima Bears and the Seals. Ernie was drafted by the Army and spent time stationed in Germany where he was recruited for his baseball skills as an ace pitcher. His Army team would travel around Europe playing other Company teams. After returning to California with the Army Reserves, he continued playing for Sacramento Solons; Salem Oregon; Sacramento Bees; Visalia Reds; Amarillo, Texas; and Eugene, Oregon, finally retiring in 1958.

After retiring from baseball Ernie returned to his hometown of Geyserville and began working for the Italian Swiss Colony Winery in Asti, where he met the love of his life, Diane. At first Diane refused to go on a date with Ernie, but he persisted and Diane finally agreed. After their first date, Ernie knew he was going to marry Diane. They soon married in 1959 and settled in Cloverdale to start their family.

In 1991, after raising their children, Ernie and Diane relocated to Humboldt County, which is where Diane was born. While living in McKinleyville, Ernie worked at Fortuna Chevron, Charlie Dame’s Redwood Burl Inc., Mickey’s Quality Used Cars and Cher-Ae Heights. He retired for good in 2011. Ernie and Diane loved to go agate hunting at Dry Lagoon and Agate Beach.

Ernie was proceeded in death by father Albert Domenichelli and Mother Rose (ne’e Buchignani) and son Dennis Domenichelli. He leaves behind wife of 63 years Diane (ne’e Francis), daughters Lisa Perkins and Tina (Johnny) Garrett. Grandchildren Matthew Perkins; Kelly (Eric) Dickey; Josh Winter; Trevor (Katie) Garrett; and Jenna Garrett. Great-grandchildren Avery, Aubrey and Wyatt Perkins; Kennedy and Corinne Dickey; and Karson and Talon Garrett. Close family friends Yvonne Winter and Mark Perkins. We would like to also thank dear neighbors Kari, Mike and John.

A private family viewing was held on September 27, 2022 at Ayers Family Cremation.

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The obituary above was submitted by Ernie Dominich’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.