Julio Cesar Espinoza

Julio Cesar Espinoza, 96 passed away peacefully on Sunday March 14, 2021.  He was surrounded by a family that loved and respected him dearly.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years Laura, 6 children Freddy, Janeth, Doris, Patricia, Laura and Monique and their spouses.  He was a beloved “Papito” to 18 grandchildren & 19 great grandchildren and will be missed dearly by many other family members and friends. 

Julio was born on August 16, 1924 in Cuenca, Ecuador into an ordinary world but he spent the next 96 years being anything but ordinary.  He spent a lifetime being a light to others in faith, family and as a friend.  Julio’s life was built on adventure even from a young age.  He spent a great deal of his younger years traveling the lands of South America.  In his hometown of Cuenca, Ecuador he had an important role of building the countryside’s underground water systems.  Later, Julio chose to attend college with aspirations of becoming a doctor, but later chose a different path and became a Master Mechanic.  He then entered a job working for International Harvester which found him responsible for assembling agricultural equipment as well as operation and maintenance.  This was his first foray into what would become his life as a Master Mechanic.

 In 1956 Julio married the love of his life, Laura.  Once he met Laura he never looked back and made it his purpose to love her with all his heart.  Julio was blessed to meet her through his best friend Al, Laura was his sister.  Julio and Laura wed in Cuenca, Ecuador and soon they were blessed with a family.  In 1962, they all immigrated to the United States determined to start a new life filled with God, love and adventure.  Julio and his family moved all over Southern California from Santa Monica, Anaheim, Buena Park and finally to Eastvale.  Julio often shared that one of his proudest moments was the day he became a United States citizen in 1988.

Julio built a professional career in automotive maintenance specializing in foreign cars dating back to his 1962 arrival in America which was a very specialized profession at the time.  He also owned and operated several gas & service stations during his life.  These businesses included the Flying A, Phillips 66, and Texaco.  He eventually opened his own automotive service center, J.C.E Foreign Car.  Later in his life he moved on to work as a Master Mechanic for Nissan working at both their Brea and Huntington Beach service centers.  Eventually retiring at the age of 70. 

Retirement did not halt Julio’s adventurous side.  In retirement Julio traveled the globe visiting places that he had always dreamed of.  The adventure nearest to his heart was his exploration of Israel.  Being a man of faith and a dedicated Roman Catholic, this trip allowed him to not only share in a culture, but to deepen his faith.  Julio was a man who was always full of life and one of the most interesting men you could meet.  His stories entertained many, but his love was something he gave freely and asked for nothing in return.  He loved the people and life God gave him on Earth and he wasn’t afraid to be grateful for every day God blessed him with. 

Julio was a man of great heart.  Great heart in his faith in God, and in his family.  There was an enormous space in his heart and spirit for his family and those who were blessed to know him.  He remained a loyal husband, dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather until he went home to heaven to be with the Lord.  Viewing services will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday March 25, 2021 at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary, in Fullerton, Ca followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Huntington Beach, Ca.