Ruben M. Espinoza

     Ruben M. Espinoza, 91 yrs., passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022.  He was born on November 17, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas.  The son of Paulo Espinoza and Aurora Espinoza.  He had 2 brothers who predeceased him, Gilbert and Fidel Espinoza. 

     At 18 years old in 1948 he joined the United States Marines, eventually earning the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.  He was in the Korean war and served 2 tours in Vietnam.  He was an aircraft mechanic while in the Vietnam war.  He retired with an honorable discharge after 20 years of service in October 1968.

     As a young Marine, he met Gloria Garcia at a dance in Santa Ana, CA. in 1950.  They were married on August 12, 1951.  They remained married for 54 years until her death in 2005.  They settled and started a family in Santa Ana, CA.  They had 2 children, Gary in 1954, and Karen in 1963.  Ruben was stationed in Yuma, Arizona for 2 years while his wife stayed in California to raise the kids.  He was then transferred to El Toro Marine Base in Irvine, CA. until his retirement from the Marines.

    After his retirement from the service, he went to school to become a diesel mechanic.  He obtained his certificate and worked as a diesel mechanic foreman for 27 years at Associated Concrete Products in Santa Ana, CA.

     In 1980, his family moved to Yorba Linda, CA. and remained there until his death.  Ruben loved God, his family, and his country.

   He is survived by his daughter, Karen Echevarria; son, Gary Espinoza; son-in-law, Jose Echevarria; grandchildren, Desiree Echevarria; Christina Echevarria; and Eric Espinoza.