Ernest Paul Kelemen

Ernest Paul Kelemen passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2017 in his home in Leisure World, Seal Beach.  He was 87.  A long-time resident of Artesia and most recently Seal Beach, he was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his infant son Matthew and his two brothers Joe and Jim Kelemen.  He leaves behind 9 children, 27 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Ernest was born and raised in Niles, Ohio, the son of Suzanne Nemeth and Joseph Kelemen, Hungarian immigrants.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948 and the day after he graduated from high school left for boot camp.  He was subsequently stationed in Washington D.C. at the Marine Corps Headquarters, after which he transferred to Camp Pendleton in California.  There he met and married his wife Patricia in 1952 at the Ranch House Chapel on Camp Pendleton.  After Ernie was discharged from the Marines, he worked for IBM and then Jerseymaid in Los Angeles as a Data Processing Manager.  He retired in 1989 after 35 years of service.

Ernest approached life with a passion and zest second to none.  In his early years, he was an excellent ice skater and spent many winter days skating on a frozen pond in Niles.  As he got older, he enjoyed flying an airplane even though he never got his pilot’s license.  In his late 20’s a friend introduced him to the world of Judo and he earned his 3rd degree brown belt.

In his later years, Ernie was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia and spent many years volunteering to work at parish festivals, painting the rectory (or whatever else needed doing), and serving as an Usher in church.  The accomplishment of which he was most proud was raising his nine children.  His hallmark was always his humor.

Ernie suffered a minor stroke two years ago and lived out the remainder of his years in Leisure World quietly and with dignity.

A Rosary will be held at Holy Family Church in Leisure World Seal Beach at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 17, 2017 followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.  A reception will be held following Mass at the Community Church hall next door.