Genaro Esparza

Genaro Lopez Esparza, born June 20, 1959, passed away on April 19, 2019. He was 59. He was preceded in death by his father Genaro Sigala Esparza and his first wife Josephine. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, mother Pauline, daughters Pauline Grinager and Rachel, sons Genaro and Albert, stepson Anthony, 6 grandsons, and 3 granddaughters, brother Gilbert, and sister Rosemary, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was lovingly known all of his life to his many friends and relatives as Jerry.

Jerry was born in San Bernardino and attended Wilson Elementary, Warm Springs Elementary, Curtis Junior High, Aquinas High School, San Gorgonio High School and graduated from Pacific High School in 1977. He attended San Bernardino Valley College and earned a certificate as a Psychiatric Technician. He worked in that field for a short time at Patton State Hospital before transferring to a warehouse supervisory position with the State of California in Tehachapi. He later worked as director of advertising at the Latin Journal newspaper and was involved in various community organizations including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Eagles Club and Home of Neighborly Service.

Jerry lived in a house on Kingman Street off of Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino when he was born until his family moved across the city to Holly Vista Blvd near Lynwood and Golden at the age of 4. When Jerry was 6, his family moved due to the construction of the 210 freeway. He spent the rest of his childhood with his father, mother, younger sister Rosemary and brother Gilbert in their home on Golondrina near 9th street and Del Rosa. Their home was less than a mile from old Norton Air Force Base where his father, Genaro, worked until he retired, just before the base closed. His mother, Pauline, was only a few miles from Patton State Hospital where she worked before retiring.

As a child, Jerry excelled in baseball and basketball. He began little league baseball at East Baseline at the age of 8 and quickly became one of the best batters. He hit numerous home runs and kept playing through pony and colt league. His versatility enabled him to play a variety of positions including pitcher, catcher, first base, shortstop, third base and outfield.

Beginning in elementary school, he was an exceptional student. He enjoyed riding his bike and he was an excellent table tennis and pool player, competing and sometimes winning tournaments. He involved himself in numerous social activities and what he enjoyed most was making friends. His intelligence and social maturity were advanced beyond his age. He had many friends who were years older and parents of his friends enjoyed having conversations with him.

While in Junior High School, he won a scholarship to Aquinas High School. He attended there for two years, then transferred to San Gorgonio where he attended a short time and then transferred to Pacific High School were his younger sister and brother attended. In high school, Jerry participated in basketball, FFA, Mecha, Speech and excelled in debate. He was an excellent saxophone player, a pursuit he began in elementary school and maintained throughout most of his life.

After graduating high school, he spent a short time enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged after suffering a knee injury.

At 21 years old, Jerry married Josephine “Josie” Arce. Together they had four children, Pauline, Rachel, Genaro, and Albert. Josie and the children often participated with Jerry in his many activities until she died from injuries sustained from a hit and run driver April 3, 1990.

Jerry continued to involve his children while engaging in activities with the Latin Journal, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Eagles Club, Home of Neighborly Service and doing work for the Hilton Hotel in San Bernardino.

Throughout his life, he touched the lives of numerous individuals and their families. Many considered him a part of their family. Also, he was very close to his many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He enjoyed spending time with his mother Pauline as they shopped, dined, played board games and played at the local casino. He dearly loved his father Genaro and missed him deeply after his death in January 2005.

He suffered from various health problems during the last years of his life but remained as active as his health would allow. He felt blessed to meet and marry a wonderful woman, Sylvia, and enjoyed spending time with her and her family. He enjoyed spending time with his adult children and his grandchildren. His last activity was watching his grandson excel in little league baseball, the game Jerry loved most as a child. Jerry will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, but he leaves us all with memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives.