This week the DVC community lost one of the all-time great Vikings, Ernie Cecaci. BSB Coach for 19 years, he compiled a 337-313 record & led DVC to their only bsb state title in school history in 1977. Cecaci is also a member of the CCCBCA Hall of Fame. Rest in Peace, Coach.
The following memorial is shared by his family:
Ernest Silvio Cecaci, 92, passed from this world on May 5, 2022.
Born on January 1, 1930 to Silvio and Virginia Cecaci, he is survived by his companion Hilma Johnsen; his children Laurie Cecaci (John), Lisa Finato (Shawn), Jeanne Baeta (Mark), Martin Cecaci (Carla) and Cindy Walsh (Bill); and by his 14 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren. He is preceded by his wife of 62 years, Rena A. Cecaci, who will no doubt be welcoming him home in great joy and love.
Ernie, or “Coach” as he was known to many, graduated St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley in 1948. He served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1950-1952, and then returned to Washington State University, where he played football and baseball, continuing on to graduate in 1954. He received his master’s degree from San Francisco State in 1958.
He taught physical education and coached football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling at St. Mary’s College High School and Mt. Diablo High School until 1962, when he was hired at Diablo Valley College. During his five years as head wrestling coach, he had no losing seasons. In 1968, he became head baseball coach at DVC, winning the State Championship in 1977. He started the women’s volleyball team in 1975, then later became the school’s Athletic Director. He was inducted into the St. Mary’s College High School Hall of Fame in 1992, the California Community College Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1993, the Mt. Diablo High School Hall of Fame in 2007 and Diablo Valley College Hall of Fame in 2009.
His distinguished career is as noteworthy as his quiet, steady devotion to his family and friends; his green thumb and beautiful garden; his fly-fishing expertise and his passion for competing in multiple Bocce leagues, home smoked salmon; and the only limoncello recipe that counts.
While he retired from DVC in 1991, his children and grandchildren will tell you he never stopped coaching. Whether it was baseball, softball, golf, or is love for Bocce. His patient yet fierce technique instilled a competitive spirit and love of the game that remains his legacy.
Services will begin on June 4, 2022 at 10:00am at the Church of Santa Maria, 40 Santa Maria Way, Orinda, CA 94563. Celebration of Life will follow at 12pm at The Colombo Club, 5321 Claremont Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
In lieu of flowers please make donations to payable to St Mary’s College High School, for Ernest ’48 and Rena Cecaci Scholarship Endowment Fund at 1291 Albina Avenue, Albany, CA 94706