Riley 2000 Ernesto G Starling

Dec. 4, 1980 - July 7, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Ernesto “Nest” Starling, 35, of South Bend passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Memorial Hospital at 4:54 a.m. surrounded by family. He was born in South Bend to Maria (Rivera) Adams and Murry J. Starling. He is survived by both parents plus his stepfather Ric Adams who started raising him at the tender age of eight months. Ernesto is also survived by sisters Lovely Rita Ramos of South Bend, Angela Ramos of Nashville, Tenn., Keilei (Adams) Brown of Pontiac, Mi., Yolanda Newbill of Arlington, Tx., brothers Ric (Tiffany) Adams Jr. of Wakarusa, In., Murry J. Starling Jr. of South Bend, In., and grandparents Maria Carmona, South Bend, Manuel Rivera Tampa, Fla., Roosevelt Starling of South Bend, In. Grandmother Bessie Starling preceded him in death. Ernesto is also survived by a host of family and friends.

Ernesto attended South Bend Public Schools, graduating from James Whitcomb Riley High School where he played basketball for the Wildcats. He received a scholarship to play at Ancilla College in Donaldson, In. After two years he was given a scholarship to play ball at Defiance College in Ohio where he received a Bachelor degree. Ernesto eventually attended Ferris state University and earned his masters in criminal Justice. Ernesto coached AAU Basketball and High School B/B at North View High School, Mi.

Ernesto was a passionate advocate for at-risk children and families. Throughout his career he derived happiness and satisfaction with working with children families. He served at-risk Children and Families in the community at Wedgwood Christian Services, Bethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids Public Schools (Alger Middle School), Project Rehab and Rite-of-Passage. On a Saturday morning you would find him volunteering at Hero's Camp in Mishawaka cutting hair, worked at DePaul Academy where Ernesto was a steward of service in the community through these programs that offer opportunities for troubled and at-risk youth.

Ernesto was committed to helping make a difference in the lives of others. He was passionate and committed to finding good in people. Ernesto had a warm smile and a comforting soul. He always found good in all people.

Visitation for Mr. Starling will be at Christ Chapel of South Bend located at 3402 Locust Road, South Bend, IN 46614.

Viewing is Monday, July 11, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am at which time services will start 11:00 a.m.

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