Roberto Espinoza Jr

On the blessed day of January 4, 1974 at 12:07pm, Roberto Espinoza Jr was brought into this world, where Alicia and Robert opened their hearts to his loving smile. He was born at Corona Regional Medical Center and weighed 5lbs 14oz. He measured19 inches long.

As a little boy, he was showered with affection from his family. His early education started at St. Edwards Catholic School. He then went on to attend Norte Dame High in Riverside. Post graduation, he attended Riverside Community College. He grew up playing many sports: Basketball, Soccer, and Football. At an early age it was evident that Roberto had the "gift of gab", which showed in all the stories he told and the laughter he got from all of his jokes. Roberto developed close friendships early on that continued throughout high school. Many vacations were taken with family and friends while growing up and many memories were made. Some of the vacations included Rosarito Beach, San Francisco, Laughlin, and many more places.

He met his wife, Shanann, in August of 1997 through a friend. Their first daughter Tatiana was born on February 22, 2000. They married on June 1, 2002. They were blessed with their second daughter, Natalia, on January 3, 2005.

All who loved Roberto are left with everlasting memories of him. Of those that will continue to cherish those memories are his parents, Robert and Alicia Espinoza, wife Shanann, and daughters Tatiana and Natalia Espinoza. Also left with memories are many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and many others who were touched by "Yogi".

On Monday, May 2, 2016, Roberto went to sleep and an angel left all of us, much too soon. The world has truly lost someone that made an impact on so many lives. Shanann, Robert and Alicia made the decision to donate his major organs, so his life lives on in several people whose lives were saved. One day, Yogi's family will meet the recipients and hear their stories. Most poignant will be the heart recipient, who now guards the heart of a person who was loved many of you reading his story.

Heartfelt comments from"Yogi's" girls were shared in the operating room before his generous "Gift of Life" procedure began, in a Moment of Silence:

Tatiana: "Roberto Espinoza's legacy will never be forgotten but will live forever in the hearts of those whom he has impacted. May you always be with us. Words cannot express the tremendous grief our family is facing but God is good and is here for my father and his beloved family. We mourn the tragic loss of our father, husband, son, cousin, and friend. Today and throughout the rest of our lives we send the message: Live every day as if it is your last. Surround yourself with loved ones and only have thoughts of positivity."

From Natalia: "I love you, dad. I miss you. I know you're going to be watching over us."

ROBERTO ESPINOZA Jr…. You will NEVER be forgotten!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!