Obituaries

Ernest Rosburough, retired lieutenant

Ernest Rosburough, a retired correctional lieutenant with 21 years of service, passed away Dec. 24, 2025. Services will be held Jan. 26 in Riverside.

Ernest Rosburough, retired correctional lieutenant wearing a sweater and smiling at the camera.
Ernest Rosburough

Rosburough began his career with the department as a correctional officer in July 1976 at California Institution for Women.

He then promoted to correctional sergeant in August 1982 at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. In January 1984, he transferred to California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco and promoted to correctional lieutenant in September 1985.

He remained in this role until he retired in December 1997.

“Lt. Rosburough dedicated over 21 years of honorable service to the department and was widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment. He also played a meaningful role in supporting the early development and establishment of the CRC Honor Guard. (Rosburough helped) pioneer traditions of ceremonial excellence, dignity, and respect that continues to honor fallen and retired members of the department today,” according to a CRC statement. “Our sincerest condolences are extended to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Rosburough will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 26 in Riverside at Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 5320 Victoria Ave. Immediately following the services, burial will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd.


Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Related content

CSP‑Sacramento mourns loss of Captain Cory Martincek

California State Prison-Sacramento is mourning the passing of Cory Martincek, a correctional captain who has been with the department for…

Centinela mourns passing of LVN Chima Onyebuizu

Centinela State Prison is mourning the April 10, 2026, passing of Licensed Vocational Nurse Chima Onyebuizu. Onyebuizu began his career…

Brian McCauley, retired correctional officer

Brian McCauley, a retired correctional officer, passed away April 5, 2026. McCauley began his career at with the department in…

Lee Herron, retired correctional lieutenant

Lee Herron, a retired correctional lieutenant from California Health Care Facility, passed away March 25, 2026. Herron began his distinguished…

Lew Little, retired correctional officer

Lew Dwayne Little, a 72-year-old retired correctional officer, passed away suddenly Dec. 17, 2025, according to his family. A celebration…

SATF mourns the passing of Jennifer Medrano

Pharmacy Technician Jennifer Medrano, a valued staff member of the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF) at Corcoran,…