Manuel Espinoza (a.k.a. “Espi” or “Manny”), died peacefully while surrounded by family on February 19, 2022. He was born to Manuel and Estella Espinoza in Los Angeles, California on October 2, 1942, where he lived with his seven siblings: Estella (Laudermilk, deceased), Robert (deceased), Richard, Cecelia, Margarita (Romo), Michael, and Anna (Macintosh). He joined The United States Air Force after high school, which brought him to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There, he finished his 21 years of service working at Arnold Hall and retired as Chief Master Sergeant.
Manuel was a man of faith and a follower of Christ, which guided him in his passion to help others. He became a dedicated volunteer and board member at the Eastern Plains Community Pantry in Calhan, Colorado. Which helped many with life’s basic necessities. He truly cared about people and his community, empowering and inspiring those around him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, and wives Cecelia Espinoza and Elizabeth Espinoza.
Manuel is survived by his loving wife Alice Weaver Espinoza, Alice’s daughters Erin, Karen, and Maureen McLeod, and his children Benjamin Reototar, Laura Fiske (Gregory), Angela Brannan (Michael), Manuel Espinoza, Charlie Espinoza (Jackie), Selina Silva (William Seargeant), and niece Tammy Lynch. Manuel has twenty-one grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Donations in Manny’s honor may be made to Eastern Plains Community Pantry. www.easternplainscommunitypantry.org
Services: Friday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO