Emilio Pete Espinosa's Obituary
Emilio Pete Espinosa, known affectionately to everyone as “Bird”, took a piece of everyone’s heart with him on January 14, 2022, at the age of 19.
Emilio was born on July 19, 2002 to parents Mary Elizabeth Romero and Peter Espinosa in Tucson, Arizona. He was the definition of love, light, and life. He was smart, funny, handsome, and loving. He gave the best hugs filled with warmth and care, and always had the biggest and most beautiful smile on his face. He marched to the beat of his own drum, and always lived his life to the fullest. His larger-than-life personality brought happiness to everyone who knew him.
Emilio had his whole life planned out, he had a bright future and it was just getting started – the best was yet to come. As a Youngster, Emilio talked about his many dreams and aspirations taking him further than Tucson’s south side. Everyone that knew him knew exactly how far he would have gone in life.
Throughout his life, Emilio played a variety of sports including basketball, football, and baseball. He was one of the original players in the Blue Jays Baseball Club. He also loved to play video games. Emilio loved to hang out with his friends and truck club members “Open Throttle”, participating in donuts and burnouts. What he loved doing most though, was riding his motorcycle. He was a Prospect for Mixteca Motorcycle Club, a club that was a Brotherhood to Emilio.
Emilio is known as a “Gentle Giant” because he always had so much love in his heart for everyone, especially his family. Emilio was a Father, a Son, a Grandson, a Brother, a Nephew, a Cousin, a Tio, and a Friend. He was a Proud Father who loved his daughter, Samira, and he loved being her Papa. His relationship with his Mom was greater than anyone can understand. They were each other's “Ride or Die” and Emilio was his Mom’s shadow! Their love for eachother will live on forever. Though we mourn Emilio’s death, we find solace that he is reunited with his father and they are now riding their motorcycles alongside each other, which is something Emilio always talked about and dreamed of. He will be extremely missed by his siblings, and remembered by them as a bright light in their life. Emilio was also a fun and playful Tio who adored his nieces and nephews. Always a kid at heart, he never missed the opportunity to play with them and let them climb all over him.
Emilio is survived by mother Mary E. Romero, daughter Samira Castellanos, brothers; Stefen Romero (Courtney), Santiago Romero, Aaron Griffith (Alma), and Elijah Espinosa, sisters; Kayleigh Espinosa, and Karina Espinosa, grandmothers; Mary V. Romero, and Ana Garcia. He is also survived by his godparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews; Avery, Ryder, Jaxon, Sebastian, and Dominik, nieces; Arielle, Adalie, Luna, and Aria. He is deeply missed by many, many friends, and by many people in our community who loved him.
Emilio is preceded into eternal life by his father, Peter R. Espinosa, grandfathers; Jose “Wilo” Romero and Peter R. Espinosa Sr., and uncles; James Romero and Robert Espinosa.
Emilio touched the hearts of so many people and made a powerful, lasting impact on those around him. His sudden death has caused immense pain to everyone who knew him, especially his mother. Since his death, many have recalled how truly special he was and how fortunate they were to have known him. We ask that you honor him by never missing an opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s life, and for everyone who was fortunate enough to come across Emilio’s path, please keep him in your thoughts, and your memories.
“To our Free Bird, we know your wings are soaring. Fly high, and ride on. Until we meet again…”
“Bird, we will miss your presence, but we know your spirit will remain with us. It was a privilege to have you in our lives and we will always love you. May you find peace in the arms of God.”
The family would like to thank everyone for the support, comfort, prayers, and love during this difficult time.
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