Ernest I. Light

Dr. Ernest Light of Aurora, Colorado, affectionately known as ""Poppy,"" or ""Ernie,"" was born on October 5, 1931, in Newhall, Iowa (pop. 863) and passed into heaven on September 21, 2016 at the age of 84. The son of Anna Becker and Robert Light, the fifth of seven children, he was a depression-era child who never forgot his Midwestern work ethic. Ernie was a dentist, professor, husband, father, grandfather, fisherman, skier, traveler, and gardener. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy K. Light, four children (Christy Dorchuck, Bill, Dave, and Sam), plus twelve grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Schmuecker (Tom). Ernie was a lifelong learner, a camera and technology buff and a New York Yankees fan. He also closely followed the Broncos and Rockies, enjoyed long walks, was a devout Catholic, had a great sense of humor, and was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Army where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Graduate of the University of Iowa Dental School with a Masters degree in Endodontics, Ernie was Chairman of the Department of Operative Dentistry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he taught dental students for 25 plus years. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a humble man who came from very modest roots but never forgot to thank the Lord for his many blessings. The Recitation of the Rosary will take place on Sunday, September 25, 2016 beginning at 5:30 in the evening at Horan & McConaty, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, in Aurora with viewing beginning at 4:00. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 26, 2016 at 10:00 in the morning at Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, 18000 East Arapahoe Road, in Foxfield. Memorial contributions are suggested to Catholic Charities of Denver, 4045 Pecos, Denver, CO 80211. Please click on ""Sign Guestbook"" to share memories of Ernest and messages of condolence with his family.