Both Ervin and Alice were born and raised in San Jose. Through a mutual friend, the two met on the steps of a science building at San José State University and were soon married at St. Joseph's Cathedral in San Jose on June 13, 1943.

The couple has resided in Saratoga since 1966. Ervin, who served in World War II, is a former teacher and farmer. Alice is a retired elementary school teacher.

The couple has three sons, Ervin Jr., Richard, and Gary, and one daughter, Denise. They have 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.