Robert "Teddy" Espinoza
September 26, 1945 ~ July 5, 2022
Born in:
Pueblo, CO
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Robert “Teddy” Espinoza, 76, was born Sept. 26, 1945, to the union of Henry “Ted” and Susie (Montoya) Espinoza. Growing up in Pueblo in the east “Blocks,” he attended Central Grade School, Keating Junior and was a proud graduate of Central’s class of 1963. When Teddy was a junior in high school, he started working for Safeway in the Mesa Junction where he worked until he joined the Army in June of 1964. A year later, he received orders to serve in Viet Nam with the 2/22 Infantry, 4th Infantry Division and the 504th MP Battalion, where he honorably served his country. Following his military service, Teddy married his sweetheart, Gloria Jimenez, who he truly was in love with. Soon thereafter, he was hired as a computer operator for the federal government at Fort Carson, Colo., where he worked his way up the ladder, retiring as a top-level manager after 30 years of service.
Teddy was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Kathy Tafoya. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; his sons, Robert Jr. (Leelani), Michael and Jeffrey Espinoza; grandchildren, Amanda (Anthony) Vigil, Marcos, Malia and Nya Espinoza; great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Taylah and Isaac Vigil; and two brothers, Jim and Rick Espinoza.
Teddy was a highly responsible and devoted family man, who was so very proud of his sons as they grew up playing football, baseball and softball. To this day, they are the only three brothers that were on the field for Central in the Bell Game. He also loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and their involvement in all their activities.
Teddy was a proud member of the “Montoya” Club and Eagles Aerie #145. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and always looked forward to daily Mass. Teddy developed a friendship with a number of people over the years and will be missed by many who will keep him in their prayers
Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2827 Lakeview Ave. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Funeral Mass: July 13, 2022 10:00 am
Holy Family Church
2827 Lakeview Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81005
719-564-2696
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Kenny and I have known Ted for years. We met him thru Ted Trani when we took dance lessons in 2008. Ted actually attended our wedding in 2013 and was the “life” on the dance floor. We truly loved him and had so many fun laughs and crazy dance moves on the dance floor. We will miss his fantastic humor, smiles and laughs. Our sincere condolensences to his sweet wife, Gloria and all the family and close friends.
To Gloria and family, Jim and his family, my deepest condolences at the loss of your beloved Teddy. God Bless and Peace to all of you. Rest in Peace Ted.
My condolences to the Espinoza family. I remember Teddy, Randy, Gene, Charlie Martinez, and the Rogues. The kids from the blocks, we played together almost the sports at the park. Sometimes it got rough, but it was fun. Remember we all went to the same schools. I remember Teddy going into the Army and his marriage to Gloria. You will be missed by all the people you met on your journey in life. You will be remembered my friend.
I’m really going to miss you Ted. We had a great childhood growing up in the blocks. What I remember is playing old timers baseball (Wilcoxin).You was the catcher and I was the pitcher . We had so many good times. Going to really miss you buddy. God Bless.
To Gloria and all the family,
Offering my sincere condolences on your loss….. I first met Teddy when he was about 11 years old and we were neighbors in “The Blocks”. Our lives took us in different directions, but I was fortunate to reconnect with him as members of the Eagles 145. Always a perfect gentleman and an excellent dancer, the ladies enjoyed the opportunity to dance with Teddy and I was fortunate to share in the dances and laughs. On one occasion, Teddy expressed an interest in learning to play golf and our friendship evolved to a common interest in golfing along with friends (Sam, Phil and Anthony). We shared so much fun and frustration with the game and as with all other things in his life, Teddy was determined to learn and master the game. They say that you can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand and I believe that Teddy is that person for many of us. His sincerity, humor and intellect and his unfaltering faith in the Lord will always remain alive and in our hearts. God’s Blessings My Friend. Rest Well.
I have known Robert “Ted” Espinoza since we were in grade school and from the “blocks” where we grew up. I have fond memories of Ted and the things we did together. I look at the scar on my arm and remember when Ted and I cut each other and became “Blood Brothers.” Another fond memory I have is when a new kid we called “Geronimo” moved into the neighborhood. Ted met her, fell in love and they have been together since then. To Ted’s family: “Lo Siento Mucho” ~Pablo “Paul” Gonzales
I have great memories of growing up with Teddy in the blocks. We played in Henkel Park and on East Corona. We walked to school together. We rode to school together when he got his first car. We attended school together from kindergarten at Central Grade, to Keating , and graduating in the class of 1963. We did see each other over the years and we shared stories of our families too. You will be missed my friend. Rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear of my good friend’s passing. Teddy will be missed by many, especially at the next Central class of ’63 reunion.
It was a pleasure being apart of Ted’s treatment team and having the opportunity to get to know him. We always tested our vocabulary and ‘perhaps’ (Ted really liked to use this word) work an uncommon word into our conversations. Ted was very perceptive, witty, clever, kind, an all around wonderful person, and will be greatly missed.
My cousin “Teddy” (Robert), was named after my dad, his uncle. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember living next door when I was 4 or 5 years old. He was a good soul and he will be missed.
‘Little Teddy’
This picture takes me back to the days on Corona. Our clan would visit yours All the time when we were young. The Thanksgiving get togethers stand out in my memory.
Your mom would whip up some of the best green Chile ever!
I remember when you started working at the Safeway store right up the street from your house and how my mom was so impressed that you were working there. She would say ‘See, look at LittleTeddy- he’s a Hustler, he went right out and got a job!’.
As we aged, contact was less and less until the only time I would see you was at funerals.
Well, guess what?
You are at Peace now, Teddy, and you walk the Fields with your parents and old friends.
We are all getting close to completion of our own Circles, as it should be.
My condolences to you, Gloria and family.
I’m gonna miss you Ted you were a great man whom I respected and was honored to have met and cared for during your 3 times a week therapy .. May you Rest In Peace in Gods Glorious Heavens .. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼