Thomas Espinoza

Thomas "Tommy" Espinoza passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, after multiple illnesses and medical challenges.

Born in McPhee, Colorado on March 11, 1941, to Stella Speer Martinez, who proclaimed Tommy as "My little Grasshopper." After moving around several times, the family settled in Washington Terrace, Utah where Tommy attended and graduated from St. Joseph High School. He was a devout Catholic his entire life.

He went on to join the Army after high school, serving in the Korean War as the secretary to the commander in charge. Tom was decorated and honorably discharged; he was a proud veteran.

He attended the University of Utah, studying business. Falling just credits short of graduating; this was his one regret—not finishing his degree.

In 1964, he met and married his first wife, Tilly Mutsaers. Together they had four children: Thomas Espinoza Jr., Timothy Espinoza, Theresa Espinoza Evans, and Terrance Espinoza.

In 1988, he met and married his second wife, Dorothy Chapman Espinoza. Together they went on countless adventures, traveling all over the world and making loving memories for over 37 years. They enjoyed their many pet companions together.

Tommy enjoyed traveling, reading, camping, fishing, hunting, going to plays and performances and collecting basketball cards. He had the funniest sense of humor. Tom and his younger brother Louis Espinoza (The Shoe) had many legendary sayings and gave everyone a nickname. He especially loved his adventures to Mexico with his family, where many infamous family stories happened. Tommy loved to move, always looking for a new adventure. He must have moved around 25 times in his lifetime. He learned to love flowers and gardening from his dad, Carl Martinez (Da), and his love for food and drink from his mother, Stella. He also went on countless hunting and fishing adventures with his dad, brothers, and sons.

Tommy was a gifted jeweler and designer. He worked many years as a jeweler for many well-known companies, including Zales, Schubach, Massey's, Freds, and Fred Meyer. He eventually opened his own stores throughout the valley, called T&T Jewelers. He owned and operated them successfully for many years. His design and jewelry legacy will live on, as many of the pieces he custom created are one of a kind.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Dorothy Espinoza; his children, Thomas Espinoza Jr., Timothy Espinoza (Maricela), Theresa Espinoza Evans (Gregory), and Terrance Espinoza; and his brother Louis Espinoza; two step-children, Tom Ewing (Julie) and Melanie Ewing Ashcraft (Stuart), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carlos and Stella Martinez; his sister Emily Silva; his sister Caroline Espinoza; his brother Carlos Martinez; his Aunt Rose Martinez; and his stepson, Bill Ewing (Nickie).

Dad always liked gambling and rolling the dice in life. He lived big and adventurous. Dad’s famous saying that rings true today: "I crapped out, I rolled a 7."

We would like to thank everyone at Thatcher Brook Rehabilitation Center and his hospice team at Quality Home Hospice Care for the amazing care they gave Dad. We would also like to thank the many neighbors and friends who helped with meals, yard work, and support. Special thanks to his niece, Missy for her loving role in caring for him. Special thanks to Tom Ewing and family for their generosity.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to the Catholic Community Services or Salvation Army Services.

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