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BORN
1940
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
William Espinoza Obituary
William "Bill" Espinoza, 79, passed away with his wife by his side, at their home, on November 20, 2019, after a second bout of cancer. Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1940, Bill moved to Albuquerque as a young man, where he lived for 10 years. It is there that he met his wife of 57 years, Marcella Espinoza (nee Montoya). In Albuquerque, Bill was involved in the entertainment industry as a radio DJ, and later moved his family to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he helped to start a public radio station and worked as a banker before opening the Navajo Hogan Restaurant, which he ran for 30 years. Until his very last days you could find him at the restaurant talking to customers, new and old.
Bill loved sports of all kinds, and was an avid L.A. Rams and Utah Jazz fan. He and his wife loved to travel, and they share many fond memories together. Bill was very active in his community, including running for Mayor of South Salt Lake. He and his wife attended St. Ann Catholic Church. Bill was always helping the homeless, and during the holidays, he donated clothing to the Salt Lake Rescue Mission.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marcie; his two boys, Aaron and Marcos; his daughter-in-law Kelly; two grandchildren, Camila and Daniel; extended family, Bernard Montoya, Bernice (Mel) Archuleta, Don (Irene) Montoya and Rey Montoya; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Bill's life will be held Tuesday, November 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 27 at 11:00 AM at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 2119 South 400 East, Salt Lake City. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM at the church. Please share your photos and memories with the family and view a tribute video slideshow at
www.starksfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salt Lake Rescue Mission, https://rescuesaltlake.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Espinoza
Bob Lonsberry
December 20, 2019
oh my gosh, bill, dear bill, what a great man you were, what a good friend. i spent a decade in your place, the smell of the oil, the wonderful fry bread, the mutton stew, the white flour and blue corn. and always your good cheer and beautiful wife. i still wear the 5k shirts, and i still try to make the stew. i am grateful for the good cheer, the encouragement, the radio conversations, and for the wonderful example. a long time ago a guy and his wife opened a little navajo restaurant, and countless thousands of us were fed -- in body and soul. thank you so much.
Rich Valdez
December 11, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a dear friend Bill our deepest condolences to the family, Bill you are now at peace and out of pain may you rest in peace...Rich Valdez
December 3, 2019
My deepest sympathies.May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of sorrow. Always remember that God keeps in his memory those whom we lose because they are precious in his eyes (Psalms 116:15)
Rev. and Mrs. William Fitzgerel
November 25, 2019
We love this man and his family. We met them at the Navajo Hogan, and consider them friends. His food was great, but his conversation was greater. It makes us very sad to know the family is going through the pain of losing such a sweet man.
Rich Valdez
November 25, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill, I met him and 35 years ago and have been ever since. I use to have a booth at the Redwood swap meet selling Southwest crafts & jerky I could always count on Bill stopping in every Sunday for his "jerky fix" as he would say. Our prayers are with the family, rest in peace William...Rich Valdez
vickie schmidt Schmidt
November 25, 2019
Bill was a very good brother-in-law. He was so good to my children. I will always remember his soft voice and his kindness. He will be deeply missed.
November 25, 2019
Marcie, Aaron, Marcus and family. We are so saddened by the death of your husband and father. We started going to Navajo Hogan 20+ years ago and as recently as last month. One of our absolute favorites based on the food, the atmosphere, and always a nice chat with Bill as he asked us about our twins and told us about what his family. Was doing or the latest trip to Disney. Your family is in our prayers. Lorraine and Stacey
Nelda Benallyson
November 23, 2019
I'm glad I got to know you and the family.
RIP Bill.
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Memorial Events
for William Espinoza
Nov
26
Celebration of Life
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Starks Funeral Parlor3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
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