Gilbert A. Espinoza

Mr. Gilbert A. Espinoza, 82 of Tierra Amarilla, NM. died on Sunday May 24, 2009 in Albuquerque with his family at his side. A WWII Veteran of The United States Army, he was patriotic and took pride in sharing his military experiences with his family. He had spent 20 years in San Francisco, CA. cutting hair after attending barber school, but remained in Tierra Amarilla the remainder of his life, enjoying its beauty and tending to his garden. He is a former Rio Arriba County Treasurer and school board member of the Chama Valley Schools. He is preceded in death by his parents; the late Anselmo and Agnes Espinoza, his infant son Gilbert Leroy, sisters Theresa, Celia, Mary and Perlina Espinoza, and brothers Leonard and Jacob Espinoza. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Estella, and daughters Elizabeth Espinoza-Olona of Albuquerque and Crystal Grace Espinoza of Tierra Amarilla, grandsons; Gilbert Nathaniel Espinoza-Olona, Jeremy Isaac Olona and Nicholas Noah Espinoza-all of Albuquerque, brothers Sixto Espinoza and wife Tina of Santa Fe and Arthur Espinoza and wife Donna of Tierra Amarilla, sister Loyola Adams of CO., sisters in law Elvira Espinoza of TX., and Angie Espinoza of CA., numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. Recitation of the rosary will be held at Santo Nino Catholic Church in Tierra Amarilla on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. also at the same church, with interment to follow at The Los Ojos Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be: Gilbert and Jeremy Olona, vicente, Joseph and Antonio Archuleta, Augustine Espinoza, Anthony Brito and Crystal Espinoza, and honorary pallbearer being Nicholas Espinoza. Block-Salazar Mortuary, Espanola. (505) 753-2288 www.blocksalazarmortuary.com