

Ralph A. Espinosa, age 85, died on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Lakeland Regional Hospital in Lakeland, Florida. Ralph was born on June 6, 1924 in Topeka, Kansas; the son of Michael and Alice Espinosa. After graduating high school in Topeka, Ralph enlisted in the United States Navy and served nearly six years. His basic training was at Great Lakes, Illinois and he was aboard the USS Savannah, the USS Harrison and the USS Tolovana before his discharge from service in June of 1947. Ralph attained the rank of Coxswain and was awarded seven stars in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, one star in the European African Theater and was awarded the WW II Victory Medal. In 1957 Ralph became part of the Highland Park, Illinois Police Department. He worked 29 1/2 years, retiring in 1986. He was an excellent marksman and won proficiency awards for his skill. Mr. Espinosa was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War. He enjoyed traveling and boating. On June 5, 1999; Ralph married Gloria and together they enjoyed nearly 11 years having fun traveling, boating and living in Michigan, Canada and Florida. Ralph is survived by his wife Gloria; children, Roseanne Albiston (Al), Joseph Espinosa, Delores Espinosa, Ralph Espinosa, Jr, Andrea Schultheis (Glen), Charmaine Soto (Palbo) and Renee Espinosa; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; a sister Mildred Lovera, and two brothers David and Edward Espinosa. Funeral services for Ralph will be at 10 am Saturday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave. at Vernier Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods. Rev. John Merrill, Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Fraser will officiate. Entombment will follow at Glen Eden East Memorial Cemetery in Macomb Township. Visitation is scheduled from 2:00 to 9:00 pm Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church, 16339 Fourteen Mile Road, Fraser, MI 48026.
Funeral Home:
A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe
20705 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
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