Ernie L. Alvarado; Camera Store Owner
Ernie L. Alvarado, who owned Ernie’s Camera Shop in Glendale since 1952, has died at a Glendale hospital. He was 72.
Alvarado, a longtime Glendale resident, died Tuesday of cancer, said his sister, Nita Alvarado of La Crescenta.
Born in Trinidad, Colo., Alvarado came to California with his family in 1922. He attended Hoover High School in Glendale but was forced to quit during the Depression to work in a bakery. Alvarado became a news photographer and later worked as a portrait photographer in Glendale. In 1952, he and his father, Peter, opened Ernie’s Camera Shop. Alvarado remained active in the business until last month.
From the early 1950s to the early 1970s, Alvarado raced midget and drag-race cars on local tracks.
In addition to his sister, Alvarado is survived by his wife of 55 years, Annie Alvarado; brother Peter Alvarado Jr. of La Crescenta; sister Dolores Stowers of Tustin; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at San Fernando Mission Chapel, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills. Burial will follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Contributions can be made in Alvarado’s name to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
