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Richard Joseph Espinoza
Richard Joseph Espinoza
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Richard Espinoza Obituary
November 12, 1955 - July 6, 2025
Richard Joseph Espinoza, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 69.
Born on November 12, 1955, in San Francisco, California, Richard was the son of the late Henry Espinoza and Carol Hawkins. From a young age, he carried with him a strong sense of purpose, duty, and an endless curiosity that would shape his extraordinary life.
Richard proudly served in the United States Navy for over 30 years, where he achieved the rank of Master Chief before commissioning and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. His career was defined not only by his professionalism and dedication but by the profound impact he had as a mentor and leader to countless fellow sailors. He believed deeply in the power of education, and after retirement, he earned his Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University-living out the very advice he often gave to others about the importance of lifelong learning.
A man of generosity, humor, and wisdom, Richard never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for conversation, often laced with quick wit and thoughtful insights. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, or share a laugh, and his presence brought light to any room.
In his free time, Richard enjoyed golfing, playing softball, woodworking, and training for Spartan races-pursuing each with the same determination and spirit that defined his life.
Richard is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, Richard (Rosanna) and Jennifer; his cherished grandchildren, Dalton, Julia, Damon, Max, Lucas, Vivianne, and Leia; his sister, Kimberly; his brother, Steve (Mary); and many nieces and nephews who will always remember his warmth and strength.
Though he has left this world, Richard's legacy of service, love, and laughter will live on through those who had the privilege to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the ALS Foundation or by sharing a story that makes you smile-just as he so often did.
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John Espinoza Jr
July 24, 2025
I remember my cousin Ricky was a great person always had a great smile and always seemed optimistic positive - love cousin John jr
Rick Gilman
July 19, 2025
Spring of 1993. I had just checked in to the QA shop at AIMD Lemoore and within a couple weeks our new Leading Chief checked in, ATCS Rick Espinoza. He was unlike any Chief I´d ever encountered; exuberant, energetic, and good lord the man knew his stuff about Naval Aviation Maintenance AND Supply! Within no time he took a group of ragtag Sailors and inspired all of us to dig deeper and bring the very best ourselves to work every single day.
Fast forward to 1995. A small group of us at AIMD were selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer and now Master Chief Espinoza was leading the entire Chiefs Mess in ensuring that we knew what it would take to succeed as Chiefs. The confidence and camaraderie of the AIMD Chiefs Mess was impressive. They took great pleasure in grinding us down and rebuilding us into the Chiefs that were pinned September 16th of that year...and we loved every single bit of it.
Rick Espinoza always took the the time to make everyone feel like they mattered and were valued. Many years later I was a Senior Chief stationed at Norfolk, Virginia and had been going through a bad stretch at work. My wife at the time knew that Rick and Cindy would be coming through Virginia on their way to his next duty station over in Italy so she privately reached out to him and asked if he would stop by and give me a pep talk. He not only stopped by, and not surprisingly, he brought his golf clubs and away we went for a day on the links for some camaraderie and solid mentoring that did wonders for getting my mind back on track.
The impact that Rick Espinoza had on not only me but hundreds of others has been immeasurable. The lessons I learned from him I still employ to this day and I often think of him and how he would respond to various situations. To say that he was the standard by which I measured myself and all others would be an understatement. Yes, he was that good!
In subsequent tours, I used those lessons in mentoring my Sailors and despite my retirement 13 years ago, I am still in contact with many of them who reach out for guidance or reassurances. This is a gift from Rick that I will always hold near and dear to my heart.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate, we have the watch.
Rick Gilman
AZCM(ret)
Mount Vernon, WA
Edward Joseph Espinoza
July 18, 2025
When Steve let me know of your passing, I was totally devastated. We lost touch over the years, but you have always been with me in my memories and in my heart. My condolences to your family.
Rick and Kathy Duarte
July 18, 2025
Beautiful tribute to your Brother. Rick and I send condolences to you and you and your family
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Renee Huggins
July 18, 2025
Spent many summers on the base with Uncle Rick and Aunt Cindy. He would not let us go to the local pool so he ended up buying us a pool that summer. Said us girls were not going swimming with those seamen. He did however take us to mini golf...hate the game to this day. If we missed he would yell "rejected". We always had a great summer. He even took me to take my test for the Navy. He didn´t even get mad when I changed my mind. You will be missed. Hugs to the family.
Steve Espinoza
July 10, 2025
My dear brother, rest in peace.
John Malsbury
July 9, 2025
His aunt judy wade
July 9, 2025
Rear Admiral CJ Jaynes
July 9, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew him as "Espo", and I was the Mo. He was the most remarkable man I ever met. His dedication to his family and the Navy was unmatched. Espo cared about his sailors like they were all his children. And he trained many senior officers, including me. I was proud to serve with him and honored to be the guest speaker and presiding officer at his surprise retirement ceremony. Rest in peace Espo - you will be missed.
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