Mr. Robert Cruz Espinosa

Robert C. Espinosa April 9, 1925 - June 29, 2011 Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, son and brother ? was born to Alfonso and Rita Espinosa on April 9, 1925, in Los Angeles, CA and moved to the Delano area in 1930. The second oldest of ten children, growing up during the great depression, he was an integral leader of the family and helped provide for the household. After enlisting in the United States Marine Corp in 1944, he received amphibian forces training in Oceanside, CA., and was sent overseas during World War II and experienced combat on the Islands of Okinawa and Ryukyu. He was honorably discharged as a Line Corporal in May of 1946. Upon returning home he completed his high school diploma at Wasco High School. On October 3 rd, 1948, he was joined in holy matrimony to Josephine Zaragoza. They were immeasurably blessed for over 62 years as husband and wife and frequently said, "If you have your family, you're rich!" In 1950, Robert pursued his goal to become a master mechanic. He received his formal training in diversified mechanics at National Schools in Los Angeles and diesel engine troubleshooting and fuel injection at Adcox School in Portland Oregon. During his working career he was primarily self-employed as a heavy duty diesel mechanic. Robert also worked for Traynor Equipment Company, North Kern Machinery, Pandol Brothers and the California Employment Training Act (C.E.T.A.) trade school in Delano in various capacities, including mechanic, instructor, shop foreman, and shop manager. As successful as he was at his chosen career, Robert invested much time in volunteer service to the community, helping to build pride, rapport and tolerance. He was proud to serve as Delano's Latin American Citizen's Association (L.A.C.A) president in 1953, '58, and '71. In 1956, Robert was one of the charter members of Cinco de Mayo in Delano and was appointed as Grand Marshal in 1999. He also served as the Veterans' of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Commander in Delano in 1968, '80, and '81. He would go on to be a key organizer of a new V.F.W Post (8192) in 1993. In retirement, he also served the Kern County Literacy Council. His community service epitomized his generous and giving heart. On several occasions he opened his home to family members during times of need. He was a hard worker, but he also found time to play. He particularly loved to golf, hunt, deep sea fish, ride his Harley-Davidson and share a few drinks with his buddies. Robert was extraordinarily dedicated to his family and most proud of and survived by his wife Josephine Espinosa and their four children: Lawrence Espinosa, Susan Chavez, Robert Rodney Espinosa and Alfonso Espinosa; 14 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers Manuel Espinosa and Alfred Espinosa; sisters Frances (Edwards) Espinosa, Alice Najera and Belen Poincot. He is preceded in death by his son Robert Steven Espinosa; parents Alfonso and Rita; brothers Alfonso Espinosa and Arthur Espinosa; sister Margaret Armendariz. Most importantly, Robert was baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ at a Catholic parish in Los Angeles and later received his first holy communion and then confirmation at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Delano. Robert took great comfort in the Gospel that Christ covered his sins with His precious blood and that Christ defeated death to give him eternal life. Robert was moved by the Scripture from John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends" and enjoyed the hymn Rock of Ages. We will miss him tremendously, but look forward to the great reunion we will have when Christ returns. A viewing will commence at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday July 7 th followed by a rosary at 6:30p.m. at Delano Mortuary, 707 Browning Road, Delano, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Lexington Street, Delano, CA, followed by interment at North Kern Cemetery District on Albany and Garces Hwy. Delano Mortuary