Salvador R. Espinoza

May 30, 1925-September 2, 2011

Salvador Espinoza, 86, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2011 surrounded by his family.

Salvador was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bessie. They were married 62 years.

Salvador was born in Merced, where he lived his entire life. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, European Theater.

Upon his return from the war, he married his true love, started a family and began working for Don Lyons Printing. He worked in the printing business for the next 30 years until cutbacks forced him to seek other employment opportunities. Unable to find work in the printing business and too young to retire, he started his own gardening service, which he managed for 17 years.

Salvador had a strong work ethic which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastimes were enjoying Western movies, listening to music from the 40’s era, and later enjoying the music of Andrea Bocelli. Salvador also enjoyed trying his luck with the California Lottery, spending countless hours studying the numbers in an attempt to discover a pattern that might assist him with the odds.

Salvador was a kind and gentle man who had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit until the very end. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Salvador is survived by his eldest daughter Madelyn (Henry), son Ernest (Linda), and daughter Patricia (Rudy).

Viewing will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 2:00p.m.-4:30p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Visitation to continue at Our Lady of Mercy, 435 W. 21st, Merced, CA 95344 from 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00p.m. Services will be held on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.