Leo Amos Espinoza

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Leo Amos Espinoza, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, barber, and proud Vietnam Veteran. Leo passed away on Friday, September 20th, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Leo had been fighting cancer for the last 12 months and he and his family made the most of it, they took every opportunity to make memories and to show Leo just how much he was loved. Leo loved Lobo basketball, and he attended almost every game last season with his sons, Diego, Julio, and his grandson, Cruz.

Leo is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lucille; his sons, Diego, Julio (Adrianna), Joselito (Victoria); his grandchildren, (Cruz and Herminio); his siblings, Johnny Espinoza (Helen) and Maxine Salas (Roland). Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Abelino Espinoza, Lucille Griego, and his brother, Louie Espinoza.

Beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and Grampy

Leo was born on August 29, 1947, in Guadalupita, NM. He graduated from Mora High School in 1966. In 1968 he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from 1969 - 1970. He was a helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and door gunner. During his time in Vietnam, he earned the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two (2) Bronze Service Stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device. He served his Country with pride and exceptionally meritorious service. His time in the Army created his identity, he was a proud American and a proud Veteran. You would never find Leo without his Vietnam Veteran hat. After Vietnam Leo went to Barber school, he owned and operated his own barbershop for nearly 40 years.

Leo met the love of his life, Lucille, in Mora, NM in 1977. Lucille was his best friend and his constant source of strength. Together, they built a life filled with love and the joy of raising their two sons in Moriarty, NM. Leo loved his family more than anything, he would do anything to help and support his sons, he never missed a ball game, a track meet, or a wrestling match, and he was always the loudest in the crowd.

In 2003 Leo received his 100% disability from the VA and retired as a barber. He would spend the next several years traveling to small town New Mexico selling fresh green chile, red chile ristras, beans, and many other seasonal items.

Leo always loved to be surrounded by his family, he cherished having his family around during the holidays, especially during Thanksgiving, he loved to cook. In 2020 he was blessed with his grandson, Cruz, he and Cruz instantly bonded, they loved to tease each other, and they loved to have sleep overs, Cruz loved his "Grampy" dearly. He also had two dogs that he spoiled, Rocky and Pecos were very special to him, and they miss him dearly.

A rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 1400 Third Street South in Moriarty, NM 87035. The reception and dinner will follow the rosary at the parish hall. The funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 1400 Third Street South in Moriarty, NM. The burial will take place immediately after the mass at 2:00 p.m., at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.