Raul Valenzuela Espinoza

Raul Espinoza, 88, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on April 20, 2023. Raul was born on September 26, 1934, in Phoenix, AZ to Juan and Delores Espinoza. He was one of 10 children. Raul enlisted in the USAF in 1951 and served until being honorably discharged in 1955. During that time is when he was trained in the field of dentistry which later became his full-time vocation. He went on to become the owner of his own dental lab, Arcadia Dental Lab. All of his children worked there at one time or another. Raul and his family spent many years in Scottsdale, AZ before moving to North Phoenix in 2003.

Raul was a member of the Scottsdale Artists League for many years. If you have ever visited his home, you would find every wall displayed with his many paintings and portraits. Raul took home several awards for some of his beautiful work. He loved everything about Arizona and the southwest in general which is reflected in his many art pieces & photographs. A true cowboy at his very core.

Raul was also a member of the Phoenix Astronomical Society. He was a knowledgeable amateur astronomer. In Raul's backyard you will find his personally designed and built Star Veil observatory where he would spend countless hours looking to the heavens with one of his many telescopes. It was his pride and joy!

Raul was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Rachel "Peggy" Greene, whom he married in March 1956 after they had met at a valentine's day dance in Georgia, while he was stationed at Warner Robbins AFB. Raul is survived by their 4 children, Terri of Livermore, CA, Susan (Sandy) of Phoenix, AZ, Stephen (Rose Kemper) of Tucson, AZ and Peggy LaRue (Marc) of Summerlin, NV, 7 grandchildren, Devin Espinoza, Sean Espinoza, Vincent Espinoza, Aleyna Espinoza, Dylon LaRue, Nick LaRue, Stefanie Zinkowicz and one great grandchild, Robert Zinkowicz, III.

Raul treasured his family above all else and was deeply tied to his ancestry. He had a profound love of all things in nature. He loved feeding his many birds, javelina, rabbits and other critters that came his way behind his house.

A small service for the immediate family was held on April 28, 2023, where he was given military honors and laid to rest with his wife, Peggy, eternally reunited at St. Francis Cemetery.

Raul can be best honored by making a donation to St. Joseph Indian School (www.stjo.org) or to the Huachuca Astronomy Club of Southern Arizona (www.hacastronomy.org).

Funeral services were beautifully handled by Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.