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Jose Esparza Obituary
Jose "Lupe" Guadalupe Esparza 81, of Phoenix passed away on Saturday, May 31st 2014. Lupe was born in Jalisco, Mexico. He came to Arizona with his father in 1953 and began working for Kennecott Mining Company. Although he devoted over 43 years of service to the mine, it was his love and passion for mariachi music that he was most known for. Soon after arriving to Arizona, Lupe formed the first Mariachi group in Arizona, Mariachi Alma Jaliscience; later he formed his second group, Mariachi Colonial de Lupe Esparza. Lupe provided the valley with authentic, professional mariachi music for over 50 years and was recognized by the City of Phoenix with a proclamation stating September 25th as "Lupe Esparza Day". He was also recognized by the Arizona Musician's Union with their Lifetime Achievement Award. He is preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Maria and his wife Estella of Ajo, Arizona. He is survived by his brother Arturo, his sister Aurora, his sons, Samuel (wife, Renee), Marcus (wife, Andrea) and grandson Alex. Services will be held at Green Acres Mortuary in Scottsdale on Monday, June 9th. Visitation is from 10am to 12 noon, services immediately following, with a mariachi procession to his interment.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jose Esparza
Barbara Gonzalez
June 21, 2014
My thought and prayers go out to the Esparza Family. "Lupe" was a friend of my parents and family and not only played at my wedding; but also many of our family functions. He will never be forgotten. RIP "Lupe"
June 9, 2014
To Lupe's Family,
It is very sad to hear of Lupe's passing. I have not seen him since he entertained at my 70th birthday party five years ago. We were laughing at the time because I had insisted that he should also come for my 80th. He promised he would be there.
I can't recall how I had met him. I am thinking he could have been recommended by Nano Calderon. Thirty five years ago I wanted to engage a mariachi band to herald a friend's birthday. My grandparents had lived many years in Mexico, and they told me that proper etiquette demanded a close friend be serenaded early on the morning of his birthday.
In anticipation of my pal, Scott Jackson's 30th birthday I engaged the services of Lupe. At about 6:00 AM Lupe and his band met me at Arizona Country Club. We snuck cross the golf course and he started the celebration before 6:30 at Scott's house. The ritual was repeated twenty years later on Scott's 50th; then again on my 70th. Our friendship continued (mine with Lupe) and we had many laughs and great times. Birthday parties will never be the same again. His generous spirit and capacity for so much fun will be impossible to replace. Oh, by the way, he was one hell of a mariachi!!
Vaya con dios , mi amigo....
Lee Burton
Rita Martinez Robertson
June 9, 2014
Samuel and Marcus, my heartfelt sympathy. Lupe and Pedro were a big part of our family. When his father brought him to Sonora, Arizona my parents, Margarito & Refugia (Cuca) Martinez, opened our home to them. Lupe was like a brother to us. So we were the lucky ones to have him and his music in our home. Our family has lost yet another family member. Lupe will be remembered most fondly; memories of him and days gone by will always be with me. With Love, Lupe, may you rest in peace.
Tommie Martinez Verdugo
June 9, 2014
Our Deepest Condolence to the Esparaza Family. We will surely miss him. May he rest in peace. Martinez Verdugo Family
Familia Parra
June 9, 2014
Gracias Sr. Esparza por su dedicación a la música Mexicana y al conservar la belleza que es el Mariachi. Por su esfuerzo nuestras generaciones lo siguen disfrutando. Le mandamos un sincero pésame a la familia. Con agradecimiento.....La Familia Parra
AL "Smiley" Hernandez
June 9, 2014
Thoughts and prayers.
Alvin Palacios
June 9, 2014
We will miss you and your courage so much. You lived life to the fullest and never held back or let excuses get in the way. You are a true example of the power of will and sacrifice. We should all strive to be just like you. Fearless!
With love
Your sister Aurora, Alvin, Hilda and Ralph.
Alvin Palacios
June 9, 2014
We will miss you and your courage so much. You lived life to the fullest and never held back or let excuses get in the way. You are a true example of the power of will and sacrifice. We should all strive to be just like you. Fearless!
With Love,
Your sister Auroroa, Alvin, Hilda and Ralph.
Adan Valencia y familia
June 8, 2014
He is in Heaven playing the violin and singing a song at the right side of God and not feeling any more pain anymore.
June 8, 2014
May the Angels enjoy your music!
June 8, 2014
you're so strong as a family of love and music. Hats off to A legend that will be missed! so sorry for your loss.. Kathy and our family.
Rey Contreras
June 7, 2014
Vaya con Dios. Forever be in the Garibaldi square in Heaven!
June 7, 2014
My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this wonderful man loss. He was a good friend of my deceased husband.
Frances Navarrette
June 7, 2014
Greetings to Lupe's family and huge circle of friends.
I came to know Lupe about three years ago when his group started to play for us every Sunday at Food City at 27th Ave and W.Bethany Home Rd.
Now I have listened to many a Mariachi here in the US,in Mexico and Mexico City but by far Lupe is by far the best of the best.
Lupe and I became fast friends especially when we learned that each other had connections to the mining industry here in AZ,he worked in mining and I was the banker to many of the miners in the 1960'.
He also knew of my my deep Love and Compassion for the Mexican people and that I have always been concerned for their plight for I am a Gringo Bracero.
Lupe my Very Dear Amigo rest in peace,play your fiddle in the great Mariachi up in heaven and one day we shall meet again and I can listen to you play your wonderful music.
All My Love Dear Friend for we shall continue to honor your memory each and every Sunday as we listen to your Mariachi group play for us.
Sincerely
L.Hiram(Larry)Adams
Kimberley Chavez Lopez Byrd
June 7, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family of Lupe Esparza. I'll never forget that Mariachi Colonial de Lupe Esparza played for my late husband, Eddie Lopez and my wedding on August 11, 1979. I have beautiful memories of that day!
Barbara Childs
June 6, 2014
Rest in peace and comfort forever with my Tia Stella.
John Rios
June 6, 2014
Y quien no conocio a Lupe Esparza aqui en el valle del sol. Lo siento mucho.Y que los recuerdos del ayer le de fuerza ala familia en esta hora dura de sentimientos conocio mucha gente y nunca sera olvidado ya que fue de lo nuestro en nuestra epoca de Oro. Fue lo maximo que en paz descanse. Uno de sus muchos amigos . Juanito Rios (El que rasguna alpacito)
Edaena Anna Ruiz Poroj
June 6, 2014
I'm so saddened to hear of Lupe's passing. He was the epitome of a true gentleman. The mariachi world has lost a wonderful teacher, companero and all around great person. RIP Don Lupe.
Frances Chica Ramos
June 6, 2014
Marcus sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My sympathy and condolences go out to all your family. May he RIP
Belia Fessenden
June 6, 2014
My deepest condolences Marcos. Have known your Dad for many many years. He will always be known to us as "El Mariachi". Que ya descanse en Paz!
Vicente Sanchez Family
June 6, 2014
Sam & Mark, Our most sincere condolences to all of you in the passing of your dad, My Compadre Lupe. He was a music Legend here in the state of Arizona. He was my daughter Alicia's Godfather. He and I shared our families in many parties. He was a musician through and through. It saddens me to know of his passing. I am sure that he is in the arms of not only your mother but also in the arms of our Lord. May he rest in the peace of our Lord. If there is anything that I may do for you all, just let me know. Our prayers are with you.
Beatriz Cisneros
June 5, 2014
Lupe trajo a muchos de nosotros el placer y el aprecio por la cultura mexicana. Tuvimos la suerte de contar con él y sus Mariachis en nuestra casa y también se ofreció para tocar en nuestra iglesia en Queen Creek hace varios años. Tenía una manera de cautivar al público con su música y su vos maravillosa. Le echaremos de menos. Nuestras condolencias a su familia y sus amigos. Descanse en Paz Lupe Esparza.
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