Born in San Francisco in 1941 to Della and Charles Maggioncalda, Ernie grew up in the Sunset and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Estie, in 1963.
He continued his education at CCSF, USF, Loyola of Chicago Dental School and UCSF School of Orthodontics. He studied entomology at USF and discovered a new species of flat-footed fly that was then named after him. After dental school, Ernie served in the US Public Health Service as a dentist with the Bureau of Prisons.
Ernie moved to Pacifica in 1972, where he and Lynne raised their family. He built his orthodontic practice from the ground up in Daly City.
Ernie will be remembered as a devoted dad who always put his family first. He was a working musician, playing accordion in his own 4 piece combo, The Rhythmtones, in the 60’s. He was also an avid fisherman who tied his own flies and a lover of golf whose friends celebrated his flawless practice swing.
Entertaining friends and family in his home was at the top of his list of favorites, including making ravioli and sipping Manhattans. Ernie loved traveling, including an annual fishing trip to forest cabins in Alaska with his sons and friends, many family vacations in Kauai, Caribbean cruises with friends, trips to Italy, and his all-time favorite destination, Africa.
He was passionate about his family and especially his grandchildren: Alison, Julia, Lindsay, Gianna, Maddie, Mia, Ryan, Lola and Rett. He is also survived by his wife, Lynne, children Steve (Anastacia), Cindy (Evan), Jeff (Anne), and Greg; sister, Lynda Petroni, and seven nephews and nieces. We would like to extend a special debt of gratitude to Giovanni Prado, Ernie’s caregiver, who made Ernie laugh each day and became a beloved part of our family.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 7, at 10 a.m. at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Association of Orthodontists Donated Treatments or USDA Forest Service.