Epifanio Cosio

Epifanio Cosio of Chula Vista, CA passed away on April 2, 2017 at the age of 90 years old. He was born on November 19, 1926 in Chihuahua, Mexico and migrated to Bloomington, CA with his aunt and uncle at three years old. He enlisted in the U.S army in 1944 and was medically discharged in 1946 due to severe spinal arthritis. In 1950 he married Virginia Vargas who preceded his death in 2014. Together they had seven children and relocated from Tucson, Arizona to San Diego (Chula Vista) in 1958. In Tucson, he worked as a bus driver for the city metro transit system and later worked as an aircraft assemblyman for Convair Division of General Dynamics in San Diego. He loved music and had a passion for playing the trumpet and keyboard in his spare time and was a band leader in his latin band throughout the late 60’s and through the mid 80’s. Entertaining in weddings, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, quinceanera parties, social clubs he and his wife were members of for many years and many more events. In 1969, he played an active role in the 200th anniversary of San Diego as an entertainer and festivity coordinator and was recognized by the Mexican American counsel for his efforts. Epi was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched many lives with his warm smile and generous heart.

He is survived by his seven children Connie Cosio, Gloria Cosio-Valencia, Charlie Cosio (deceased), Robert Cosio, Christina Cosio-Diaz, Cecilia Cosio-O’Neill, Diane Cosio-Saenz; and Grandchildren: Elaine Cosio, Robert Cosio Jr., Andrew Valencia, Jessica Resendez, Carlos Cosio, Nanjali Castro¬-Acuna, Anissa Cosio and Jaqueline O’Neill. Great grand children: Celinna Cosio, Alexis Cosio, Robert Cosio III, Christopher Alvarado.

As a grandfather, he relished each opportunity he spent with his grandchildren. He took them to parks, to school, to soccer practices, and recitals. When they were hungry, he would spoil them with homemade meals and after-school snacks. Friends were always welcomed at grandpa’s house and nobody ever left hungry. In the mornings, he enjoyed his coffee and donuts from the comfort of his own car -- often reading them stories from Reader’s Digest or sharing childhood memories from his past. He would also enjoy coffee at the nearby donut house where he would meet and make new friends all the time. On a Saturday morning, you could find him at the donut shop ready to offer to buy anyone a cup of coffee and a donut and some friendly conversation. He taught his grandchildren to always tell the truth and cheered them on whenever they brought home good grades. Dreams of becoming a singer, a writer, a dancer, or a college grad were all possible in Tata’s eyes. He never gave up hope on them – even on their worst days. When they cried, he was there to wipe their tears. When they were happy, he was there to celebrate their accomplishments. His warm embrace and prickly mustache kisses filled their hearts with joy and love each day they spent with him.

-Jessica

As a father, Epi gave nothing but unconditional love to his wife and children. He taught us how to love without expecting nothing in return. To always tell the truth no matter what the circumstance was. To excel in school and to never stop believing in ourselves. Our father was a true man, an angel that guided us through our lives as a family man.

We love you dad, you will live in our hearts forever! Rest in eternal peace.

His family wants to thank everyone for their kind prayers and thoughts. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.