Rickey-Joel Esparagoza Fernando

Rickey-Joel Esparagoza Fernando was born in San Diego, CA at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital on August 21, 1986. He was 33 years old when he was taken back by our Lord on July 10, 2020. Lovingly referred to as “R.J.” by friends and family members, he is remembered by all to be a very warm, thoughtful, and enthusiastic young man of many talents and interests. Hobbies include singing and playing the drums in local rock bands, cooking, and watching professional football and wrestling; he had an eclectic taste in movies and music. R.J. also loved working with children, spending many years as a Tutor and a Teacher’s Aide for the Poway Unified School District. He was most passionate about health and fitness, going to the gym 7 days a week, where he also worked as a Trainer at the Hardcore Fitness Center. He was known by other gym members as “Pogi” Boy Trainer (Tagalog for “Handsome”) and welcomed everyone with open arms.

R.J. was also known for his immense strength, never one to complain about his pain. An example of this was when he injured his leg last year and had to use crutches. He attributed the pain to soreness from his workouts. It wasn’t until he fully recovered on his own, that he revealed he was actually the victim of a hit-and-run incident while he was crossing the street, and was taken home that day by a good samaritan, a testament to his tough spirit.

One of his greatest accomplishments was losing 75 pounds during a 60-day fitness challenge, a competition he won four years ago and still stands as one of the biggest weight losses in the history of the Hardcore Fitness Boot Camp. His story has been and continues to be an inspiration for many others to have a positive mentality and to lead a healthier lifestyle.

R.J. was a simple, humble man with so much love in his heart. He was never judgemental, and took the time to speak to everyone he meets. He was a great loss to our family and his many, many friends, but the light he brought into this world will never be forgotten.

Rickey-Joel Esparagoza Fernando is survived by his father Danilo; his mother Neolita; his brother Duane; his brother Neil and sister-in-law Caroline; his sister Kathleen-Anne and brother-in-law Ido Moscovici; his sister Anne-Marie; and his nieces Clementine and Cori.

Private Viewing on July 30, will be streamed live online.

Funeral Mass: Friends and Family are invited to attend July 31, 9:30am, at Good Shepherd Parish, located at 8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA 92126.

Interment to follow: El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92121.