Joe "Joey" Uvaldo Espinosa

Joey was born on January 12, 1971, in Houston, Texas, where he was raised and spent his life surrounded by family and friends. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1989.

Joey built a successful career in the electrical utility industry, beginning with Reliant HL&P. It was during his time there that he discovered his passion for cooking and barbecue. He joined the Reliant cooking team, the "Power Pac," and earned the opportunity to compete at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off. His love of cooking and serving others eventually led him to open his own establishment, Double J's, where he shared his talent and passion with family, friends, and the community.

Joey's professional career later took him to New York, where he worked as a Project Supervisor in Manhattan, overseeing electrical utility infrastructure upgrades as part of the transition to Smart Grid technology for contractors working with Con Edison. His leadership and expertise led to an expanded role in Westchester County, where he served as Operations Manager, overseeing utility operations throughout the region.

While building his career and pursuing his passions, Joey found the love of his life, Sharon Saucedo. Their bond was one of unwavering devotion, companionship, and love. Sharon remained faithfully by his side through life's joys and challenges, serving as his anchor, source of strength, and greatest supporter until the very end.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joey was known for his generous spirit, warm personality, and ability to bring people together. He loved cooking, BBQing, catering for family gatherings, community events, and fundraisers, and he never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a little friendly gambling and test his luck. His greatest passions in life were spending time with his family, going on trips with his sisters and brother-in-law, and creating countless memories that will be cherished forever. He also had a deep love for sports and was a devoted fan of the Houston Astros and the Houston Texans. Some of his happiest moments were spent cheering on his favorite teams and enjoying quality time with his boys, Joey and Justin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Uvaldo Espinosa Jr. and Mary Theresa Espinosa.

Joey leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory forever, including his sons, Joey Alexander Espinosa and Justin Uvaldo Espinosa; his sisters, Beatrice Romero (Michael), Debbie Madrid, Gina Yeppez (Bobby), and Sheila Espinosa; his beloved partner, Sharon Saucedo; and his nieces and nephews, Eileen Galligan (Michael), Michael Romero (Nicole), Jaclyn Mascione (Toni), Simon Romero (Alyssa), Regino Madrid III (Karla), Thomas Espinosa, Joshua Yeppez, Jenne Madrid, and Gabrielle Yeppez.

He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews, Joseph Galligan, Aaron Romero, Breilla Romero, Cameron Romero, Micah Madrid, Rue Mascione, Lucia Madrid, and Cecilia Madrid, along with many extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives he touched through his kindness, humor, and generosity.

Joey will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his welcoming nature, infectious smile, and his ability to bring people together. His legacy lives on in the countless meals shared, memories created, and lives enriched by his presence.

Though he is no longer with us, the love, laughter, and memories he gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.