Jose M Esparza

Jose M. Talavera Esparza, 45, of Denton, TX went to be with his heavenly father on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Jose was born September 21, 1980 in San Antonio, Texas to Myra Carmona Talavera Esparza. He graduated from Leland High School, June, 1999, San Jose City College, 1998-99 and attended Professional Culinary Institute, San Jose, CA Graduating Spring 2008. He worked on the team at Madera in 2010, in Menlo Park, California to receive a Michelin star.

Jose was a loving son to his mom, and dependable friend to his closest friends and many people. He enjoyed having boisterous conversations with his friends and co-workers. Jose lived on both US coasts and was fortunate to have met many new people that became friends. While living in New York, he was able to accomplish visiting the original 13 colonies before he was age 15.

His love of cuisine began around age 16. His life and legacy of hard work included creating many of his own versions of popular dishes for customers and clients. Aside from being an incredibly motivated, hardworking man all his life, he was an outstanding chef.

Close friends whom he cherished dearly described that Jose loved laughter and joking around with his various bands of friends. One of his closest friends from their days in San Jose said “He was a lovable, loyal teddy bear of a man who made friends effortlessly.” “He was the glue behind a network of some of the… tightest group of, fun-loving people you'll ever meet. And, they felt his absence when he moved away.”

Friends and family recall Jose as a gifted and engaging, a man who loved music, playful humor, sharing stories and comparing sport events. In his spare time, he loved sketching, playing video games and watching sports. He was a staunch Athletics’ fan!

Jose left us too soon. He will remain in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss him!

Jose was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margaret Talavera and grandfather, Antonio Talavera and uncle, Perry Talavera. He is survived by his mother, Myra Talavera, of San Angelo; his uncle, Mark Anthony Talavera, of Houston; and numerous cousins in TX, IL, and CO.

The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Catholic Church 20 E Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, TX 76903 with Msgr. Larry Droll as celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1501 W Ave N, San Angelo, TX 76901.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards the cemetery monument.