Adolfo Esparza

“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1&2

My beloved husband of 53 years, Adolfo, was called home to glory on his 76th birthday Sunday, May 3, 2026. Our love story was unique and beautiful in which we brought forth eight wonderful children: Adan Nathaniel Kealoha Esparza, Cherie Joy Alohalani Curb (Roger), Jannelle Anita Anelalani Fuller (Glen), Javan Issac Kanani Esparza, Ely Jacob Pilialoha Esparza, Jesse Aaron Nahonoapiilani Esparza, Benjamin Joel Kalani Esparza (Selina), and †Kristabel Rose Mailelani Esparza.

Our nine grandchildren added extra blessings to our lives: Benaiah Timothy Hoapili Curb, Joshuah Giuseppe Kekoa Curb, Hezekiah Samuel Keoni Curb, Ezekiel James Koamalu Fuller, Ezra Joseph Kaikoa Fuller, Christian Gabreil Leialoha Esparza, Isaiah Cyrus Kaleiolani Esparza, Carlos Andrew Makanui Esparza and Baby Bear Esparza.

Adolfo was born to his wonderful parents Rodolfo and Armanda Esparza in El Paso, Texas. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1969. After high school he attended the Arizona Automotive Institute. In 1972 he joined the U.S. Navy where he met his future bride, Terrie Lou Piilani. Adolfo was stationed on the USS Midway CVA-41; he served at Orlando, Florida, Great Lakes Navy Base, Alameda Navy Base, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Pearl Harbor. In the Navy he was an Electrician’s Mate an E4 and received the Defense Medal Award. In 1982 he graduated from UTEP with a bachelor’s degree in business and was employed as an Army Accountant for White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico for 25 years and two years at Fort Shafter Army Base, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Adolfo loved his Lord Jesus; he was a prayer warrior and raised our family with God’s Word. He was an awesome cook and made the best menudo. Along with weightlifting he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track in high school, and became the best coach and fan for his own children. He enjoyed his favorite oldies and a variety of Mexican music and movies, wrote poetry, did free hand drawings, a gardener, a mechanic, a professional diaper changer, a home remedy doctor, a good handyman, a dependable friend and a great dancer. Adolfo loved the ocean and will be buried at sea later. Thank you for your love and prayers as we celebrate the life of a truly talented man, my handsome sailor.

We love you, Babe!

Visitation for Adolfo will be held Thursday May 21, 2026, from 5:00PM to 9:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter Drive, El Paso, TX 79936. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:00 at Crosspoint Church 11995 Montwood Dr., El Paso, TX 79936.

Pallbearers: Javan Esparza, Ely Esparza, Jesse Esparza, Benjamin Esparza, Roger Curb, Glen Fuller, Jesus Esparza and Juan Esparza